What is Caira, the AI-powered camera that has photographers' talking?

Caira, a new mirrorless camera built around artificial intelligence and smartphone control, is now up for pre-order on Kickstarter, and it's already created plenty of buzz, some of it positive, and some pretty negative.

But what is it exactly?

An AI powered smartphone enabled camera

It was probably only a matter of time that a device like Caira was launched. At its essence, Caira is an AI powered smartphone enabled camera that uses interchangeable lenses. 

Created by Camera Intelligence, the device is aimed at content creators who want mirrorless image quality without the usual learning curve of these types of devices.

Caira uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor, so in theory offers much better image quality than a smartphone, while also gaining access to the extensive library of lenses for M43 courtesy of the M43 mount.

Unlike traditional cameras, Caira pairs with an iPhone via MagSafe, and has none of the traditional Aperture/Shutter Speed or ISO buttons or dials.

The camera provides the Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount, while the phone acts as the touchscreen and interface through an iOS app. It has no onboard storage either, instead relying on your phone's storage.

Perhaps most striking about Caira is that the device can be controlled with voice commands. That means you can control the actual image taking, as well as the editing, all in-camera.

Post shot, photographers can request specific formats for example, such as vertical Instagram framing, or make edits like removing subjects, turning a daytime scene into night, or changing clothing colours.

According to Camera Intelligence, Caira handles both simple adjustments and larger generative changes, powered by Google’s Nano Banana AI software.

Images can then be shared directly from your smartphone, bypassing the traditional workflow of downloading to an SD card, uploading to Lightroom, and exporting. This removes the need for memory cards or separate editing software.

And, because the device uses your phone to manage most of the shooting and editing work, it is also relatively quick and responsive.

If Zeiss’ now-discontinued ZX1 from 2018 offered a glimpse of what a camera with built-in editing could look like, Caira arguably delivers that vision seven years later.

What it all means

For photographers, Caira potentially signals a shift in how camera technology supports creative work.

AI-assisted tracking, voice commands, and in-camera generative editing could all reduce the technical barriers of traditional photography, allowing professionals to focus more on composition and storytelling.

It also suggests a future where aspects of post-processing and image refinement can be handled automatically, potentially speeding up workflows and making content creation more accessible.

But at the same time, the device raises plenty of questions about image authenticity - if you can just edit an image to completely change the scene in front of you while you're shooting, is it even photography anymore?

The other issue is the software itself. To take advantage of the built-in Nano Banana editing, you'll need a subscription to Caira Pro, which is $7 USD per month, about $10.70 AUD.

It means you're not only paying for the device, but the software too, and are at the whims of any changes to that software in the future - if it loses support, increases in price or becomes non-functional, you could be left with an expensive brick.

Whatever you may think, it's clear that we've never seen a device quite like this before. But would you use it?

The camera is expected to retail for US$995, with early Kickstarter backers able to access discounted pricing.