Though its use is almost universal with Bayer sensors in digital cameras, it is not absolutely necessary. Kodak once produced two digital cameras, the DCS Pro SLR/n and DCS Pro SLR/c (Digital Photography Review,Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c Review, June 2004, Retrieved March 3, 2007) using Bayer sensors without such a filter. However, significant moiré patternswere produced when photographing very fine detail. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
This observation is consistent with a comparison of the images, displayed in Digital Photography Review, taken by the Sigma SD10 (see here) with those taken approximately contemporaneously of the same scene by the Bayer sensor-equipped Nikon D70 (see here)/page15.asp. Both retrieved March 6, 2007.
A. Rush; P. Hubel (2003). "X3 Sensor Characteristics". J. Soc. Photogr. Sci. Technol. Japan. 66 (1): 57–60. Retrieved March 6, 2007.
patents.google.com
US4613895A, Burkey, Bruce C.; VanHeyningen, Roger S. & Spaulding, Richard A. et al., "Color responsive imaging device employing wavelength dependent semiconductor optical absorption", issued September 23, 1986
