With years of experience shooting black and white across both film and digital workflows, I’ve learned that choosing the right camera for monochrome photography is deeply personal. Do you want to capture black-and-white images directly in-camera, or are you comfortable shooting in color and converting later?
To help you navigate these choices, I’ve crafted this guide to the best cameras for black and white photography, covering a range of options. First, I explore specialist digital cameras that shoot monochrome exclusively. These cameras, stripped of their color filters, deliver unmatched sharpness and clarity. However, they come with a couple of caveats: you’re limited to black and white only, and these models often come with a hefty price tag.
For those looking for more flexibility, I’ve included a section on versatile mirrorless cameras that excel in black-and-white shooting. Some, like those from Fujifilm and Panasonic, feature exceptional monochrome modes, perfect for capturing stunning in-camera black-and-white shots. Others are ideal for photographers who prefer converting their images in post-production using top-tier editing software.
Whatever your preference, there’s a camera here to suit your style. Let’s start with the best strictly mono-only cameras for black and white photography...
Top picks
This is the best black-and-white camera that money can buy – and as such, it requires a lot of money to do so. The Leica M11 Monochrom is the latest digital rangefinder camera from the prestigious German manufacturer, and it’s a triumph.
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A compact camera pairing a full-frame 47.3MP sensor with a stunningly sharp Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, the Leica Q2 Monochrom also differs from the M11 in another key way – it has autofocus.
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Pentax continues to keep the DSLR dream alive with this B&W version of one of its APS-C DSLRs. Just like the Leica models, the K-3 Mark III Monochrome features a sensor with no color filter
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If you want to shoot many black-and-white film stocks, but want the convenience of shooting digitally the Fujifilm X-S20 is the perfect match for black and white, while being small to carry with you all day long.
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If you're a beginner that likes the idea of shooting black and white, but also wants a camera that can shoot amazing color stills, and even 4K video - the Nikon Z5 is the best option.
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For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting street/documentary photography as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
Best mono-only cameras for black and white
Best overall
✅ You want the best black-and-white camera: Delivers stunning black-and-white images - this is as good as black-and-white photography gets in the digital world.
✅ You want the stealth look: Thanks to its street-wise aesthetic the red dot is removed, and you have only one color option, black - making for the stealthiest camera on the streets.
❌ You want the full Leica look: While the M11 Monochrom looks stunning, without the famous red dot it doesn't give off the full Leica vibe
This is the best black and white camera that money can buy – and as such, it requires a lot of money to do so. The Leica M11 Monochrom is the latest digital rangefinder camera from the prestigious German manufacturer, and it’s a triumph.
It borrows the 60MP sensor first introduced on the Leica M11, only it does away with the color filter. This means you couldn't shoot color images with it even if you wanted to, but also results in improved image clarity and exceptional levels of detail.
Leica cameras are all about delivering a premium photographer’s experience (it doesn't even shoot video, so don’t ask). The M11 Monochrom is manual focus only, using a rangefinder system that’s tricky to get right, but immensely satisfying when you do.
The physical control dials give the camera’s operation a film-like feel, and Leica’s range of M-lenses provide that singular Leica ‘look’ you just can’t get any other way. Its price tag and self-imposed limitations make this a highly niche camera – but if you’re in that niche, it might be the best buy you’ll ever make.
See our full Leica M11 Monochrom review for more details
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Black and white only images, 60MP stills, no video features | 4 / 5 |
| Build & handling | Built to the Leica reputation this is a solid camera that lives up to the Leica name | 5 / 5 |
| Performance | Simply the best low-light performance from any Leica | 5 / 5 |
| Value | Rather expensive for a very niche camera | 4 / 5 |
Best compact
✅ You're on a budget: If you want compact on a budget the Q2 is currently the best bang for the buck in the Q-series lineup offering a monochrom sensor.
✅ You want great ISO performance: Leica Monochrom sensors are known for high ISO performance - even up to 100,000 ISO
❌ You want modern specs: The Q2 is getting a little long in the tooth and on occasion, it shows its age with the EVF
❌ You want a tilting screen: Q2 is old school, featuring a fixed 3" screen with no tilting abilities.
❌ You want interchangeable lenses: the Q2's lens has a fixed wide-angle view
Even though it’s about half the price of the M11 Monochrom, the Leica Q2 Monochrom is still going to be an expensive ask for a lot of people. If it’s in your budget though, then I have good news – it’s another fantastic camera.
A compact camera pairing a full-frame 47.3MP sensor with a stunningly sharp Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, the Leica Q2 Monochrom also differs from the M11 in another key way – it has autofocus. Contrast-detection autofocus to be specific, so no need to learn to use a rangefinder.
One thing that really impresses me about the Q2 Monochrom is its performance at high ISO settings. In most digital cameras, the highest ISO settings are normally simply never used, as the images they create are so compromised by noise. However, the Q2 Monochrom still produces usably contrasty, punchy images at its top ISO of 100,000, making it a fantastic performer in low light.
See our full Leica Q2 Monochrom review
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 24MP, 4K video, amazing 28mm fixed f/1.7 lens | 4 / 5 |
| Build & handling | Dust resistant and compact, the Q2 is a great compact camera | 4.5 / 5 |
| Performance | Delivers great 24mp still and 4K video if needed, EVF is good but can lag at times | 3.5 / 5 |
| Value | the only current Q-series offering Monochrom it can seem a little high - but its worth it! | 4 / 5 |
Best affordable
✅ You love DSLRs: If you love a DSLR this is your only dedicated black and white option on the market.
✅ You want the highest ISO performance: With a ISO range from 100 to 1,600,000 - this is the best option, yes up to 1.6 Million!
❌ You want a mirrorless camera: This DSLR is chunky and has a wonderful mirror-slap, which might put off some.
❌ You want a tilting screen: This DSLR offers old-school tech, which means featuring a fixed screen with no tilting abilities.
Pentax continues to keep the DSLR dream alive with this B&W version of one of its APS-C DSLRs, launched in 2023. Just like the Leica models above, the K-3 Mark III Monochrome features a sensor with no color filter (and also does away with the anti-aliasing filter), meaning it shoots monochrome only, but produces images of superior detail and clarity.
In other respects, this camera is pretty much the same deal as the original Pentax K-3 Mark III,meaning it combines rugged DSLR handling with a raft of exposure modes and an impressive ISO range of 100 to 1,600,000 - and in our tests delivers amazing results very high ISO settings, making a great camera for lowlight documentary work..
Having 12fps burst shooting is nice too, though you’ll likely find the shot buffer fills up very quickly, and if you use Live View mode, you’ll find the contrast-detect autofocus doesn’t do nearly as well as on-sensor phase detection at keeping up with the action.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Features | With 25MP, UHD 4K video, and the best ISO range available on a monochrome camera | 4.5 / 5 |
| Build & handling | Solid DSLR handling, and weather sealing make the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome a great option for field work | 4.5 / 5 |
| Performance | Delivers stunning 25mp stills and 4K UHD videos in glorious B&W - what's not to love! | 4 / 5 |
| Value | For the value its the best around - while is it is a chunky DSLR, there is noy denying it offer amazing value for money | 5 / 5 |
Best Film Simulations
✅ You shoot a lot of video: The Fujifilm X-S20 delivers top-notch video quality, versatile features, and a compact, lightweight design perfect for creators and rigs.
✅ You want a versatile hybrid camera: The X-S20 excels in stills too, with access to Fuji's X-Mount lenses for any scenario, from landscapes to safaris.
❌ You want big resolution: The X-S20’s 24MP sensor falls short of the 40MP resolution in the X-T5 and X-H2, which may suit those seeking ultimate detail but come at a higher price.
❌ You prefer retro styling: No retro Fujifilm camera matches the X-S20’s features. The X-T5 comes close but is larger and pricier, while the aging X-T30 II lags behind the modern X-S20.
Contemporary Fujifilm X cameras are an excellent choice for monochrome shooters as they all come bearing Fuji’s famous Film Simulation modes. For those who don’t know, these are in-camera shooting modes that replicate the ‘looks’ of classic film stocks, including the distinctive, fine-grained monochrome stock ACROS.
The X-S20 is a simpler camera than its cousins in the X-T and X-H series, but it’s probably a better everyday shooter for most people. The lower megapixel count of 26.1MP means more manageable files while still providing realistically enough resolution for most purposes.
As a newer camera, it benefits from the must-have feature of the past couple of years – subject-detection autofocus, meaning it can lock onto specific subjects with preternatural speed and accuracy.
Also, if you are interested in monochrome video, the X-S20 has an impressive video spec, with a maximum resolution of 6K – and Film Simulation modes can be used in video, too.
See our Fujifilm X-S20 review
| Features | 6K open-gate video and the latest subject detection | 5 / 5 |
| Design | Solid build quality although does miss out of weather sealing | 5 / 5 |
| Performance | Subject detect autofocus is pinpoint and video quality is excellent | 5 / 5 |
| Value | Arguably the best value APS-C cameras right now | 5 / 5 |
best for beginners
✅ You're new to photography: with its easy-to-use features and Excellent electronic viewfinder this is as good as it gets for new photography learners
✅ You want a versatile camera: while it can shoot amazing Monochrome images, the color profile arent bad either!
❌ You want a fast camera: with just 4.5 frames per second shooting the Z5 isn't the quickest out of the gate
❌ You want a high MP cmaera: with 'only' a 24MP sensor if you want higher megapixels you going to have to look elsewhere
So far we’ve mostly been talking about black and white photography as practiced in-camera. However, many monochrome photographers prefer to do their conversions after the fact, in which case, you can focus less on the various monochrome options a camera provides, and more on its image quality more generally.
While the Nikon Z5 can shoot in monochrome, with a few options in the Picture Control settings, it doesn’t offer the kind of stylish, distinctive monochrome looks of, say, a Fujifilm X camera. What it does do, though, is produce terrific-looking full-frame images for a reasonable price.
The dynamic range on the Z5 is very good, particularly at lower ISOs, so when you come to convert your images to black and white you should have plenty of recoverable detail in the highlights and shadows. It’s a nicely built camera too, and has one of the better electronic viewfinders at this price point. The Z5 tends to be bundled with a Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens – a decent enough kit lens, but one you’ll probably find yourself outgrowing quite quickly.
See our Nikon Z5 review
| Features | 4K video, 24MP full-frame sensor and monochrome profiles makes this camera true joy for beginners | 5 / 5 |
| Design | With a solid build and great ergonomics | 4 / 4 |
| Performance | While its bust mode might not be the fastest its overall performance is fantastic for beginners | 4 / 4 |
| Value | With its sleek mirrorless specs, and overall full-frame perfromace makes this camera great value for money | 5 / 5 |
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