A method and system for receiving energy selective image data relating to an examination object using a counting, digital X-ray detector, together with a counting, digital X-ray detector and an X-ray system are provided. The X-ray detector includes an X-ray converter for direct or indirect conversion of X-rays into an electrical signal, and a matrix including a plurality of counting pixel elements. For each pixel element of the plurality of counting pixel elements, at least one modifiable threshold value, above which an incoming signal is counted using a memory unit, is applicable.