A mosaic scan filter array has a plurality of identical tiles, each tile have n rows and m columns where n is equal to a greater than 1 and m is equal to a greater than 2. One row of tiles extends a width of a detector array and constitutes a base pattern. The base pattern is repeated M times and each repetition is laterally offset in one direction by one pixel width. The base pattern and laterally offset repetitions constitute a repeat pattern. There are M×N filters selected from the group of one or more of the following: RGBW filters, fluorescence emission filters and a series of narrow spectral band filters covering a continuous spectral range. The mosaic scan filter arrays can be used with a scanning microscope or a scanning camera.