An optical code reader (200) includes a color image sensor array (202) having pixels (306) of a first set and pixels (304, 308, or 304 and 308) of a second set arranged along multiple parallel axes of a first axes group (310) and multiple parallel axes of a second axes group (312) transverse to the first axes group. The pixels of the first set produce data representing sensed light intensity values. In one configuration, the optical code reader includes a data processing system (210) operable to perform single-axis interpolation to produce interpolated intensity values that correspond to selected locations of pixels of the second set. An interpolated intensity value is produced for a selected location by using only intensity values sensed by pixels of the first set that share an axis of the first axes group with the selected location.