<p>A color image pickup apparatus includes a photo-to-electric conversion section subjected to progressive scanning. A first delay circuit defers an output signal of the photo-to-electric conversion section. A first adder combines the output signal of the photo-to-electric conversion section and an output signal of the first delay circuit. A second delay circuit defers the output signal of the first delay circuit. A second adder combines the output signal of the photo-to-electric conversion section and an output signal of the second delay circuit. A third delay circuit defers an output signal of the first adder. A first subtracter implements subtraction between the output signal of the first adder and an output signal of the third delay circuit. A fourth delay circuit defers an output signal of the second adder. A second subtracter implements subtraction between the output signal of the second adder and an output signal of the fourth delay circuit. A first sign change circuit inverts a sign of an output signal of the first subtracter. A first selector periodically and alternately selects one of the output signal of the first subtracter and an output signal of the first sign change circuit. A second sign change circuit inverts a sign of an output signal of the second subtracter. A second selector periodically and alternately selects one of the output signal of the second subtracter and an output signal of the second sign change circuit. Two different color-difference signals are generated in response to an output signal of the first selector and an output signal of the second selector. <IMAGE></p>
