Imaging exoplanets and circumstellar disks is a key observational ressource towards a better understanding of exosystems, a major topic of contemporary astronomical research. Therefore, the three first light instruments planned for the ESO Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), namely METIS, MICADO and HARMONI, are all equipped with an high-contrast imaging mode. In this contribution, we will first review the current instrumental solutions allowing for the direct capture of light emitted by an exoplanet as well as their limits in the framework of the ELT. Then, we will present an overview of the expected capabilities of high-contrast imaging for the three instruments, emphasising both their science drivers and the instrumental hindrances we may face.

The proposed contribution is in the framework of the ESO led ELT working group on high contrast imaging coordinated by F. Cantalloube (LAM) abd M. Kasper (ESO).