The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for digital imaging in an ambient light deficient environment. The disclosure includes an imaging sensor that comprises an array of pixels for sensing electromagnetic radiation. The disclosure includes an emitter that is configured to emit a pulse of electromagnetic radiation and a control unit that comprises a processor. The control unit is in electrical communication with the imaging sensor and the emitter. The control unit is configured to synchronize the emitter and the imaging sensor so as to produce a plurality of image reference frames. The plurality of image reference frames comprise a luminance frame comprising luminance image data and a chrominance frame comprising chrominance data, wherein the plurality of image reference frames are combined to form a color image.
