Digital booths
How a camera colour filter array turns light into a colour image
Many sensors measure one filtered colour component at each photosite.
A phone’s finished portrait is the result of sensor measurements plus image processing. Knowing what the colour filter array contributes makes colour artifacts and RAW files easier to understand.
One site, one filtered measurement
In a common Bayer-style sensor, each photosite is covered by a red, green or blue filter and measures only that filtered component. The raw mosaic therefore is not yet a conventional full-colour RGB image at every location.
Evidence: Platform technical documentation
Processing fills the grid
A demosaicing algorithm estimates the missing colour components from neighbouring measurements, then later stages can denoise, sharpen and apply white balance. Different camera pipelines may make different choices, so a phone’s processed JPEG is not a direct display of individual sensor values.
Evidence: Platform technical presentation
Check repeating detail
Fine fabric, striped backdrops and tiny text can challenge interpolation. Compare the original capture with a resized export at the intended strip size. If coloured speckles or zipper-like edges appear only after processing, test a different demosaic or lower-sharpening export where available.
Evidence: Imaging software technical article
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Apple Developer, Capturing Photos in RAW and Apple ProRAWPlatform technical documentation
- Apple Developer, WWDC26: Enhance RAW Image Processing with Core ImagePlatform technical presentation
- Adobe, Enhance DetailsImaging software technical article