New adaptive filters for color image processing are introduced and analyzed. The proposed adaptive methodology constitutes a unifying and powerful framework for multichannel signal processing. Using the proposed methodology, color image filtering problems are treated from a global viewpoint that readily yields and unifies previous, seemingly unrelated, results. The new filters utilize Bayesian techniques and nonparametric methodologies to adapt to local data in the color image. The principles behind the new filters are explained in detail. Simulation studies indicate that the new filters are computationally attractive and have excellent performance.