This paper introduces an image decimation technique based on the use of a near least-squares criterion that makes a proper compromise between the L/sub 2/ and l/sub 2/ norm minimization cases. The theory of orthogonal projections is related to the derivation of a computationally efficient decimation structure possessing good antialiasing properties. It is shown how this structure can be realized by the transposed Farrow structure when using piece-wise polynomial basis functions. It is shown, by means of examples, that with a considerably lower computational complexity the proposed structure provides practically the same quality for the restored images as the best existing structures.