1. An image filtering method for processing a color channel of Bayer pattern data, comprising the steps of: identifying a target pixel in the Bayer pattern data; identifying, within the Bayer pattern data, a plurality of neighboring pixels to the target pixel having a common color; comparing the common color target and neighboring pixels; and determining a filtered value for the target pixel based on the common color target and neighboring pixels comparison by: resisting change in the target pixel value when the comparison indicates dramatic difference between the target and neighboring pixels; and encouraging change in the target pixel value when the comparison indicates minimal difference between the target and neighboring pixels.