An in camera JPEG is converted from the RAW file using the camera manufacturer's algorithm and any in camera setting that the shooter has made. If you shoot only JPEG (not RAW+JPEG) then the RAW file is not saved on your memory card (but it was produced to get the JPEG). So based on the manufacturer's algorithm, an in camera JPEG typically includes some sharpening, noise reduction, etc.
Your processing of the RAW file can achieve the same results if you knew the algorithm but you should be able to achieve much better results after learning how to do postprocessing.

It doesn't get talked about because all Bayer arrays are the same and everyone has had a lot of time to perfect their demosaicing algorithms.

The fundamental Bayer process combines two green, one red and one blue pixel to form each RGB pixel.

Each raw pixel (except for the ones along the edges and in the corners of the sensor) gets used four times so there is almost no loss of megapixels.


In this tiny sensor, 16 raw pixels can create 9 RGB pixels. But in a much larger sensor the proportion of lost RGB pixels along the edges and in the corners is insignificant.

The X-Trans array is more complicated and the repetitions are less obvious.



As in the Bayer array, each intersection of raw pixels includes two green, one red and one blue pixel except for the one in the center which has only green pixels. In order to create an RGB pixel it needs information from the 8 adjacent blue and red pixels.

There is no inherent penalty in sharpness with an X-Trans array, only a potential difference in color rendition that's probably impossible to see in a real image. If there is any difference between different processors it's probably because the software builders have not spent enough time to perfect their product.

Regardless, medium format Fuji sensors will not use an X-Trans array.



X-Trans seems to have been a nice try for APS-C sensors - close but no cigar.