Color filter array pattern used in most digital image sensors where each pixel is covered by either a red, green, or blue filter in a repeating 2x2 mosaic with two green pixels, one red, and one blue – mimics human vision's greater sensitivity to green and requires demosaicing to produce full-color images.
What is RGGB?
RGGB is the standard Color Filter Array (CFA) on digital image sensors. In this Bayer pattern, each pixel is covered by a color filter – two green, one red, one blue per 2x2 block – to capture color information.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Pattern | 2x2 Mosaic |
| Composition | 50% G, 25% R, 25% B |
| Inventor | Bryce Bayer (Kodak, 1976) |
| Purpose | Color capture with single sensor |
Pattern Arrangement
| Position | Filter |
|---|---|
| Top Left | Red (R) |
| Top Right | Green (G) |
| Bottom Left | Green (G) |
| Bottom Right | Blue (B) |
Why 50% Green?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Human Perception | Eye is more sensitive to green |
| Luminance | Green contributes most brightness |
| Sharpness | Better detail resolution |
| Contrast | Higher sensitivity |
Demosaicing
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Interpolation of missing colors |
| Process | Algorithm-based |
| Goal | Full-color pixel |
| Quality | Algorithm-dependent |
Demosaicing Algorithms
| Algorithm | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Bilinear | Simple, fast |
| VNG | Variable Number Gradients |
| AHD | Adaptive Homogeneity |
| AMaZE | High-Quality |
Artifacts
| Artifact | Cause |
|---|---|
| Moiré | Fine patterns |
| Color Fringing | Interpolation errors |
| False Color | Edge problems |
| Zipper Effect | Diagonal edges |
Resolution
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal | Pixel count |
| Effective | ~70% due to CFA |
| Color Resolution | Half nominal |
| Luma Resolution | ~Full nominal |
Alternative CFAs
| Pattern | Difference |
|---|---|
| RGBW | + White pixel |
| RGBE | + Emerald |
| X-Trans | 6x6 irregular |
| Quad Bayer | 4-pixel groups |
Fuji X-Trans
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Pattern | 6x6 non-periodic |
| Advantage | Less moiré |
| Disadvantage | More complex demosaicing |
| Usage | Fujifilm X-Series |
Quad Bayer
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Concept | 2x2 same color |
| Advantage | Pixel binning |
| Low-Light | Better performance |
| Smartphone | Widely used |
Sensor Without CFA
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Foveon X3 | Three layers |
| Monochrome | No filter |
| 3-CCD | Separate sensors |
| 3-CMOS | Separate sensors |
RAW Processing
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Capture | Bayer data |
| Processing | Demosaicing |
| Output | RGB image |
| Compression | Optional |
ISO and RGGB
| Aspect | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Signal | Separate per channel |
| Noise | Varies by color |
| Green | Typically best SNR |
| Blue | Often highest noise |
White Balance
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiplier | Per-channel adjustment |
| Green | Typically reference |
| Red/Blue | Scaled to green |
| RAW | Possible before demosaicing |
Camera Implementations
| Manufacturer | CFA Variant |
|---|---|
| Canon | Standard RGGB |
| Nikon | Standard RGGB |
| Sony | RGGB + Quad |
| RED | RGGB |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| RAW Shooting | Maximum color data |
| Proper Exposure | Minimize noise |
| Quality Demosaic | Reduce artifacts |
| Consider OLPF | Anti-aliasing |
Today
RGGB remains the dominant standard for digital image sensors – from smartphones to cinema cameras. Variants like Quad Bayer improve low-light performance, while X-Trans and other alternatives offer specific advantages. Understanding the Bayer pattern is fundamental for optimizing RAW workflows and maximizing image quality.