Abstract: By using a solid state imaging element which simultaneously read out signals for two neighboring horizontal lines in which modulated chrominance signals differ from each other by 180.degree. of phase using horizontal scanning, the magnitude of the vertical correlation from the simultaneously read out two line signals are detected. Noise normally produced by the vertical correlation error of the luminance signal and chrominance signal are removed. Various embodiments are provided responsive to different problems. An interference signal at 1/3f can be decreased by compensating the horizontal aperture responsive to the vertical correlation of the image. Improvements are described for use when the color difference signals have a poor level difference, or when the vertical correlation of a signal is poor, or in fact does not exist at all. The horizontal correlation of a signal can also be used to reduce noise from various sources.