Abstract: A method of classifying and correcting defects in vertical color pixel sensors in utilizing defective pixel information, the method includes defining ranges of output levels of normal pixel sensors from exposure to dark and bright flat field light sources. Dark and bright images are captured, and pixel outputs are measured for each image. Pixels in the dark and bright images having outputs in at least one color channel that are outside of the ranges of the output levels of normal pixel sensors are entered into defective pixel maps. The defective pixels are classified into categories and defective pixel sensors that can be corrected are identified. Correction values for identified defective pixel sensors that can be corrected are generated and entered into a calibration memory associated with the vertical color image sensor.