A charge-coupled device (CCD) is a grid of electronic light-sensitive sensors that convert incoming light into electrical signals, which are then processed to form a digital image. CCDs are widely used in digital cameras, camcorders, scanners, and scientific imaging equipment due to their high image quality, low noise, and accurate light capture. Each sensor, or photosite, records the intensity of light at a specific point, making CCDs fundamental for precise image reproduction and high-resolution photography.