A method of identifying relevant areas in digital images is provided. The method comprises receiving information representative of pixels in a first digital image, and calculating a spatial statistical measure of said information for groups of neighboring pixels in said first image to form a group value for each group of pixels. Further, the method comprises calculating differences between group values, and comparing said differences to a predetermined threshold value. If said difference is equal to or above said threshold value, said group is identified as relevant, and if said difference is below said threshold value, said group is identified as not relevant. A method of encoding digital images based on the identification of relevant and non-relevant areas is also provided, as well as a digital encoder system.