A CCD camera works by converting incoming light into an electronic charge. This charge is stored in an array of photosensitive elements, known as pixels. When the exposure is complete, the charge is transferred to a readout register, where it is converted into a voltage. This voltage is then digitized and processed to create a digital image. The process involves several stages, including charge generation, charge transfer, and signal readout, each of which is critical for producing high-quality images.