A color image sensor includes a pixel array including CFA overlaying an array of photo-sensors for acquiring color image data. The CFA includes first color filter elements of a first color overlaying a first group of the photo-sensors and second color filter elements of a second color overlaying a second group of the photo-sensors. The first group of photo-sensors generate first color signals of a first color channel and the second group of photo-sensors generate second color signals of a second color channel. The color image sensor further includes a color signal combiner circuit (“CSCC”) coupled to receive the first and second color signals output from the pixel array. The CSCC includes a combiner coupled to combine the first and second colors signals to generate third color signals of a third color channel. An output port is coupled to the CSCC to output the color image data.