Top-ranked cameras for monochrome imaging in the year 2025
Black and white photography is a unique discipline that offers special challenges and rewards. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the world of black and white cameras to find one that suits your needs.
Dedicated Monochrome Sensor Cameras
For the highest quality and most authentic black and white results, consider cameras with dedicated monochrome sensors. Two top recommendations are:
Leica Q2 Monochrom
Widely regarded as the best overall black and white camera, the Leica Q2 Monochrom boasts a 47.3MP full-frame monochrome sensor and a fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens. It offers exceptional image quality, high ISO performance, and a sublime handling experience with precise manual focus options. It excels in delivering detailed, rich monochrome images straight out of the camera, but comes with a hefty price tag [1].
Leica M11 Monochrom
The Leica M11 Monochrom is a rangefinder-style full-frame camera tailored for black and white photography. It encourages a thoughtful shooting style and produces highly personal monochrome images. [3]
Affordable and Versatile Options
For more affordable alternatives that still deliver outstanding black and white performance, consider the following models:
Fujifilm X-T30 II
Recommended as the best beginner camera for black and white photography, the Fujifilm X-T30 II does not have a monochrome sensor like the Leica models, but Fujifilm cameras are well known for their excellent black and white film simulation modes that produce high-quality monochrome images straight from the camera [1].
Nikon Zf
Although not a dedicated monochrome sensor camera, the Nikon Zf includes a dedicated black and white button for instant monochrome shooting. It has a 25MP full-frame sensor with excellent autofocus and retro styling, making it a practical and enjoyable camera for black and white photography [3].
Other Notable Mentions
- Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome: An APS-C DSLR designed with a monochrome sensor, offering a 100% field of view, weather resistance, and a high ISO capability (up to 1,600,000). It features in-body stabilization and physical controls aimed at black and white shooting enthusiasts.
- Panasonic Lumix GX9: A lightweight and portable camera with an arty monochrome mode, large lens selection, and impressive high-resolution sensor.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A budget-friendly option for black and white photography, with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and various features like 5-axis stabilization, Live Composite mode, and in-camera Monochrome picture modes.
- Fujifilm GFX50S II: A medium-format camera with superb monochrome modes, stunning tonality, dynamic range, and effective stabilization, though it remains expensive.
- Ricoh GR III: A compact black and white camera with a 16.2MP APS-C sensor and a 28mm f/2.8 lens.
- Panasonic Lumix S5: A weatherproof full-frame camera with a L.MONOCHROME mode, lightweight body, and excellent dynamic range, though it has a sluggish burst mode and rivals may have better autofocus performance.
- Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246): A second-hand rangefinder camera with a dedicated monochrome sensor, exceptional dynamic range, and the Leica M lens mount, though it remains expensive even in the used market.
- Fujifilm X-Pro3: A black and white camera with a viewfinder and a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder.
Sharpness is just as important in monochrome as it is in color, so a camera with a fast, accurate autofocus system may be desired. If you're interested in infrared photography, consider converting a color camera to shoot black and white images by a specialist, such as infraredcameraconversions.co.uk.
Remember, using a regular color camera is the more accessible route for most people, and many manufacturers pack their models with fantastic in-camera monochrome modes, particularly Fujifilm. For further learning, check out Will Cheung's complete guide to black and white photography and other film guides for shooting black and white analogue images.
At Amateur Photographer, we spend many hours testing every product we recommend, in detail, in a variety of situations and shooting scenarios, and only use experts for our reviews.
[1] Leica Q2 Monochrom Review [2] Leica M11 Monochrom Review [3] Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Review [4] Fujifilm X-T30 II Review [5] Nikon Zf Review
Technology plays a crucial role in black and white photography, particularly when it comes to dedicated monochrome sensor cameras. Models such as the Leica Q2 Monochrom and Leica M11 Monochrom offer exceptional image quality for the most authentic black and white results. For more affordable options, the Fujifilm X-T30 II and Nikon Zf still deliver outstanding black and white performance.
