a digital camera employs an image sensor with color filters that correspond to individual pixels of the sensor . image data detected by the sensor is recorded , together with data regarding the alignment of the color filters . the image data and the recorded alignment data are transmitted to a device external to the camera , where the image data is interpolated to produce complete color data for each pixel of the image . the complete color data is used to display the image . by means of this technique , the camera only needs to store and transmit the original image data , rather than interpolated complete image data . in addition , various interpolation processes can be employed in the external device , according to the particular desires of the user .