Bar code reading in which light reflected from a scanned symbol is optically collected by a multi-channel light detector comprising an array of more than one individual light detection elements (e.g., photodetectors) each having an output capable of providing an output signal representative of light impinging thereon, amplifiers respectively coupled to each of the light detection elements, and a summing unit coupled to the outputs of each of the amplifiers for providing a signal representative of the sum of the amplified output signals of all of the light detection elements.