Digital Photo Frame Reviews and Comparisons
Digital
photo frames are a hot item. They're a unique and versatile
way to show off your favorite photos. Your digital photograph
is displayed on an LCD panel within a frame that you can set
on an desk or shelf. You can get frames in a variety of sizes,
colors and styles to match your decor. Be sure to read reviews of digital photo frames before you buy, as features and quality vary.
Most frames are simple to use; just plug it into an electrical outlet and insert a memory card with your pictures into the slot provided. Some models allow you to choose either a single photo or you can display a group of photos as a slide show. Some frames have built-in memory that stores the images within the frame, freeing up your memory card. Others allow you to transfer directly from your computer via USB, while still others have wi-fi capability, which means you can change photos without using a memory card.
ACDSee Picture Frame Manager
The new ACDSee Picture Frame Manager
lets you easily load 10x more pictures. This software allows you to fit up to 10 times more pictures than if you loaded them directly onto your digital photo frame without optimization. Useable on your digital photo frame or a large screen 1080p TV, this application optimizes your photos to the proper size and resolution, enabling you to store and display more images with better display quality.
How to Choose a Digital Photo Frame
A variety of frame sizes are available with display areas ranging from about 5 1/2 inches (measuring diagonally) to approx. 10 inches.
Resolution and Image Quality
A key consideration when selecting a digital picture frame is the megapixel size of the images you want to use. Higher resolution photos (7 MP and up) display better on a larger frame. Beware of low resolution frames (less than 800x600). Smaller frames usually don't have high enough resolution for pictures over 6 megapixels. If you have a 7MP+ camera, pick a larger frame -- an eight to 10 inch screen is your best bet.
Special Features
Aside from image quality, what other features do you need? Will you want to change from portrait to landscape? Add music or watch video? Want wi fi or Bluetooth? Consider what you may want to do with your frame and what kind of features you may need.
Memory Compatibility
Some frames have internal memory so once you've transferred your images to the frame you don't need to have your memory card connected to display your pictures. Look for one that holds at least 512MB. Most frame models will accept a range of memory options including Compact Flash, Memory Stick and SD cards. Be sure to choose a frame that supports the same memory card format as your digital camera.
Ease of Use
Most photo frames are easy to use, you just plug it in, insert a memory card and turn it on. Some models have internal controls that let you choose images to display and to set other functions like slide show transitions. Several have wireless remote controls that make it more convenient to operate. Some can get pretty complicated with wi-fi, streaming Internet radio and complex menus. If you are buying one for novice users, best to stick with something easy to use.
Top Rated Digital Picture Frames - Comparisons
Below are three of the top rated photo frames comparing image quality, ease of use, features and value.
| Kodak Pulse W730S |
Pandigital PAN7000DW
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Sony DPF-XR100 Digital Frame - 10.2" - LCD
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| Resolution | 800 x 600, 4:3 aspect ratio | 800 x 600; 4:3 aspect ratio for no stretching or cropping | 1024 x 600, aspect ratio 16:10 |
| Screen size | 7 inch LED | 7-inch LCD | 10.2 inch SWVGA LCD screen |
| Frame | Metallic finish black | Black | Black |
| Memory | SD, SDHC, MMC, MS, MS Pro/Duo, XS Picture Card | SD, MMC, Memory Stick Pro, xD card slots | Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo,SD, SDHC, xD-Picture Card, CF, Card Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo,MMC, miniSD, microSDHC, microSD Card |
| Other connections | Via email, e-mail, Facebook, Kodak Gallery Gallery, USB. Manage content via www.kodakpulse.com (free service) | USB port, optional Wi Fi, optional Bluetooth | mini USB 2.0 |
| Remote Control | yes | yes | yes |
| Wi-Fi | yes - wirelessly receive images from all over the world and comment on pictures. | yes | No |
| Internal Memory | 512 MB | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Plays Sound | No | Plays MP3 music files. Comes with 1 speaker. | Yes MP3 |
| Plays Video | plays photo slide shows | Plays AVI video | Yes plays MP4 MPEG-4 M-JPEG MOV AVI |
| Other Features/ Comments | Photos sharp with vivid color. Has a quick and easy interface with responsive touchscreen and ability to integrate with Facebook. You can remotely manage automatic photo loading from anywhere. Quick Comment feature, auto-photo enhancements. Easy to set up. | Very good picture quality and lots of versatility. Viewing angle is fair, not great. Has calendar and clock with alarm timer. Optional wi-fi adapter lets you get FrameIt, Shutterfly, SnapFish, and Picasa. Includes headphone jack, remote control, and mini USB 2.0. Mac-compatible. 2 Paper Mats - White / Charcoal | Good combination of features and quality. Bright, clear display. Rich blacks and high contrast. Stunning picture quality. You can flip the frame vertically/horizontally and it automatically rotates pictures between portrait and landscape depending on how it was shot. HDMI connection. 24-hour clock, alarm, calendar. Very easy to set up and use. |
| Where to Buy |