When looking for the best camera for black and white photography, you’ve got a fair few decisions to make. Do you want to produce monochrome images in-camera, or are you more comfortable shooting as normal in color and then converting after the fact? Or, indeed, do you want to shoot digitally at all – many monochrome enthusiasts prefer using film cameras, trading away convenience in favor of superb latitude and distinctive character.
For this reason, I produced this guide to the best black and white cameras that spans a fair few different categories, and I’ve split it into sections to make things easier. First, with specialist digital cameras that shoot monochrome images only.
The key advantage of these models is that they have had their color filter removed, which results in images of superior sharpness and clarity. However, there’s not only the obvious trade-off that you’re stuck with black and white only – there’s also the fact that these cameras are notoriously expensive.
So, I’ve also included a section of conventional mirrorless cameras that I reckon are great for shooting in black and white. Some of them, most notably those from Fujifilm and Panasonic, offer terrific black-and-white shooting modes that are perfect for those who want to get their monochrome shots in-camera. Others, meanwhile, are probably better for those who want to do their monochrome conversion in the best photo editing software.
And finally, yes, I haven’t forgotten the film enthusiasts, and have included a section for those who want to play around with black and white film stocks. I also added some disposable cameras that come pre-loaded with monochrome film, giving you everything you need to start shooting black and white as soon as you open the box.
Whichever type of camera you prefer, you’ll have plenty of choice. First up, we look at the best strictly mono-only cameras for black and white photography…
Best overall 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. Read more below
Best compact
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. Read more below
Best affordable
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 Read more below
Best Film Simulations
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. Read more below
Best for beginners
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. Read more below
Best mono-only cameras for black and white
Best overall
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
✅ 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.
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
✅ 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
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
✅ 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!
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
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Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
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
✅ You shoot a lot of video: the Fujifilm X-S20 is made with video in mind, and offers sensational video quality, with open-gate and codecs for filmmakers, and vlogging modes and vertical video for social creators. The X-S20 is also light and compact, so is perfect for rigs and gimbals. ✅ You want a versatile hybrid camera: the X-S20 isn't just all about video, it offers brilliant stills as well, and with access to Fuji's entire X-Mount range of lenses it is versatile enough to handle everything from landscapes to a safari.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want big resolution: one of the only real downsides of the X-S20 is its 24MP sensor isn't quite as high as the 40MP sensor found in the X-T5 or X-H2, so if ultimate resolution is your game, then those two cameras might be better choices, although are considerably pricier. ❌ You prefer retro styling: there isn't a retro camera in Fujifilm's range that quite has the same feature set as the X-S20. The X-T5 is the closest, but it is a bigger and more expensive camera. The other retro option – X-T30 II – is aging and can't keep up with the more 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.
✅ 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!
Don't buy it if:
❌ 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.
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 a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
