{"id":172594,"date":"2022-08-15T16:19:41","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T15:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/?p=172594"},"modified":"2022-08-15T16:19:41","modified_gmt":"2022-08-15T15:19:41","slug":"best-cameras-for-black-and-white-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/buying-advice\/best-cameras-for-black-and-white-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Best cameras for black and white photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best cameras for black and white photography are more desirable than ever. In a world where everyone has full-colour photography at their fingertips, there\u2019s something tantalising about the retro purity of monochrome.<\/strong> It forces you to slow down, think more precisely about composition, and as such it can be immensely rewarding.<\/p>\n

This means that when you\u2019re picking a black and white camera, there are certain specs you\u2019ll want to pay attention to. How is the dynamic range of the camera? (This will be somewhat dictated by sensor size). How fast is the burst mode, and how comprehensive is the autofocus setup?<\/p>\n

You may want to shoot black and white in-camera using a dedicated mode, or maybe you\u2019d prefer to convert to monochrome using dedicated software. Whatever your mode of choice, one of the best cameras for black and white photography assembled on our list will fit the bill.<\/p>\n

Colour vs True Black and White?<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve selected a range of cameras, including colour cameras that have a good range of black and white modes (and filters) built-in to the camera, as well as true black and white cameras with a monochrome sensor. As you\u2019ll see, these true monochrome cameras are rather expensive, so you may want to look at the colour options if this is the case. Another option is to have a colour camera converted to black and white, by a specialist who deals with conversion to black and white<\/strong> such as (infraredcameraconversions.co.uk<\/a>) – essential if you want to shoot infrared photography.<\/p>\n

Some people prefer to shoot in colour, and then convert to black and white later, as it can give you more control over how you adjust your photos. And if you\u2019re looking for a guide on how to convert colour images to black and white, you can get some tips with our article, \u201cHow to create stunning black and white photos<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s crack straight into the best cameras for black and white photography…<\/p>\n

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Best cameras for black and white photography \u2013 overall winner<\/h2>\n

Leica Q2 Monochrom<\/a><\/h2>\n

Price | \u00a35,000 \/ $6,195<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Best\t\t\t

Leica Q2 Monochrom. Photo credit: Andy Westlake<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

At a glance:
\n<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Compact camera
\n\u2022 47.3MP full-frame monochrome sensor; 28mm f\/1.7 lens
\n\u2022 Up to 20 fps burst shooting with electronic shutter; 10fps mechanical
\n\u2022 ISO 100 \u2013 100,000
\n\u2022 225 autofocus points<\/p>\n

While it is easier than ever to convert an image to black and white post-capture, a dedicated black and white camera with a monochrome sensor delivers genuine advantages<\/strong>. You get more detail, better dynamic range, lower noise and high ISOs. If you know you\u2019re going to shoot in black and white exclusively, this model is well worth considering.<\/p>\n

The Leica Q2 Monochrom is the best black and white camera you can buy. Sleek in looks and superb in handling, it\u2019s one of the most immersive shooting experiences out there. The autofocus is excellent, though as we mentioned in our review<\/a>, many enthusiasts will likely prefer to use the superb manual focusing experience that employs the focus ring and a precise focus-peaking system.<\/p>\n

With a 47.3MP full-frame sensor and a stabilised 28mm f\/1.7 lens, the Leica Q2 Monochrom delivers fantastic monochrome images. It\u2019s ridiculously expensive, obviously, but if you can justify the outlay, it\u2019s a camera like no other.<\/p>\n

Pros:<\/h3>\n

\u2022 Sublime handling experience
\n\u2022 Stellar image quality
\n\u2022 High resolution<\/p>\n

Cons:<\/h3>\n

\u2022 Absurdly expensive
\n\u2022 28mm is quite wide<\/p>\n

Read why we gave the Leica Q2 Monochrom five stars<\/a><\/p>\n