Following the increasing availability of high-definition televisions, the HDR-HC1 was developed for home-users who want a high-definition digital video camera recorder. Compared to existing, professional-level high definition cameras, the HDR-HC1 is drastically reduced in size with improved maneuverability allowing users to operate it comfortably for long periods without tiring. Frequently used functions, such as the expanded-focus button, the brightness-adjustment lever and the manual-focus ring, feature dedicated buttons on the body, while the more specialized switches are located in a functional manner. Also, because the LCD monitor and viewfinder use a 16:9 wide ratio screen, users can view the image with the same field angle as in the playback mode, thereby ensuring the composition more closely matches intent.