Digital BW, The Print

Hi Paul,

> > I agree, I wish someone made their Bayer filters so they were removable.
> > The filters are separate from the actual sensor arrays, they are not
> > built-in to the sensor array, they are on top of it, and
> therefore *could*
> > be removed (or simply replaced with a neutral density filter) if someone
> > really wanted to make the effort...but the issue is the
> software wouldn't
> > know how to deal with it.
>
> No, the color filters are part of the chip, as the sensors are only a few
> microns across, and the filter alignment needs to be essentially perfect.
> You could never do that with a removable sensor. The anti-alias and IR
> filter is what's mounted above the chip.

Having designed a few Bayer pattern imaging devices, with the sensor arrays
I've worked with, the color filter is in fact a separate piece.  That
doesn't not mean it isn't glued on, but it is in fact a separate piece, and
can be removed.

Also, if they weren't removable, then how is this guy able to do what he
does:

http://www.irdigital.net/index.html

Also, check the Kodak (or any other sensor manufacturer's) web site, and
take a look at the full frame (not meaning full film frame, but as opposed
to linear, or interline) sensor spec sheets, such as the KAF-6303E, and the
KAF-16801E etc.  I haven't looked at the Kodak web site in a while, but I'm
not sure I've seen one made by Kodak that includes the Bayer filter.  Some
companies, like FillFactory, allow you to specify what filter you want
(Bayer RGB, RGB Diagonal or B&W) and they apply the filter for you.

Regards,

Austin