What function does an image sensor serve in a digital camera?

The image sensor in a digital camera plays a crucial role in capturing images. Its primary function is to measure and record light as it passes through the camera's lens. When light strikes the sensor, it is converted into electrical signals, which represent the visual information of the scene being captured. These signals are then processed to create a digital image that can be stored or displayed.

In contrast, while the other options refer to functions that are relevant to a camera, they do not describe the role of the image sensor. For instance, focusing the image and adjusting zoom are performed by the camera's lens system. Printing an image is a separate process that occurs after the image has been captured. Camera stabilization involves mechanisms that help reduce blur and improve image clarity during a shot, but these systems do not involve the image sensor directly. Therefore, the function of the image sensor as light measurement and recording is fundamental to the digital image creation process.