Nat Geo photographer and Sony Artisan Ira Block travels all over the globe, photographing the people and places he comes across. Through years of experience, there’s one camera he's come to rely on to authentically document the moment. “I like using the Alpha 7R V camera because the files are terrific,” he says. “61 megapixels. I use it for landscapes. I use it for people sometimes. I’ve been using it for video...and the camera is really good.” Keep reading to learn why it's his go-to, and add the Alpha 7R V to your kit – now $900 off!
For Ira, the connection comes first. “What I love about being a photographer is the ability to approach people and connect with them, and get the photo right in camera. That experience of the moment, at the moment, to me, is what brings joy to the idea of photography. Working with the people, laughing with the people…that’s my photography.”
Documenting The Moment, With Files That Go The Distance
Ira’s work spans portraits in remote villages to sweeping landscapes and everything in between. That mix demands a camera that can hold detail, handle challenging light, and stay responsive. The Alpha 7R V’s 61-megapixel full-frame sensor captures extraordinary resolution, providing the latitude to crop, retouch, and print large without sacrificing fidelity. For a storyteller who wants to “get the photo right in camera,” the robust dynamic range and color response are essential – skin tones stay natural, textures stay believable and the scene’s nuance remains intact.
Photo by Ira Block. Alpha 7R V. 28-70mm f/2 G Master. 1/50-sec., f/2.5, ISO 500
Precision Focus That Keeps Up With People
As he mentioned, Ira’s approach centers on human connection. The Alpha 7R V supports that with advanced subject recognition autofocus driven by a dedicated AI processing unit. It recognizes and tracks people with greater reliability, even when faces are partially turned or obscured. This helps keep the focus on the interaction (both literally, and figuratively) so the moment doesn’t slip while wrestling with settings. You can see an example of this in the video below, where he takes the Alpha 7R V paired with the 28-70mm f/2 G Master to Cuba.
Stability For Hybrid, Handheld Confidence
From quiet portraits to twilight cityscapes, the Alpha 7R V’s 5‑axis in-body image stabilization provides up to 8 stops of compensation, helping maintain sharpness at slower shutter speeds. For Ira, that means more freedom to work handheld in available light, stay present with subjects, and keep the camera nimble without compromising image quality.
Photo by Ira Block. Alpha 7R V. 28-70mm f/2 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/5.6, ISO 640
A Viewfinder & Screen Built For Field Work
The camera's Electronic Viewfinder delivers a crisp view, and the real winner, the 4‑axis multi-angle touchscreen, balances the benefits of a tilt and a vari-angle design. Whether shooting low along a riverbank or over a bustling crowd, the flexible screen helps preserve composition while staying engaged with the scene. The difference this makes in the field can’t be overstated – and photographers have called it the #1 sleeper feature of the camera.
Photo by Ira Block. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/250-sec., f/8, ISO 125
Speed, Storage & Reliability
The Alpha 7R V’s BIONZ XR processing and refined buffer make high-resolution shooting practical, and dual media slots support CFexpress Type A and UHS‑II SD cards for speed and redundancy. For teams or travel-heavy assignments, improved connectivity and reliable power management contribute to the camera’s “always ready” feel.
Photo by Ira Block. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/500-sec., f/4, ISO 400
See more of Ira Block's work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @irablockphoto.
Dive into more content featuring the Alpha 7R V at alphauniverse.com/alpha-7r-v/.
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