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Digital Photo Picture Frames
Choosing the best digital photo frame
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Digital photo picture frames are a great alternative to the more traditional frames.
They might not be ideal for that prized photo taking pride of place somewhere in your home, but are a brilliant way to display images at smaller sizes. There's no need for printing, or even uploading to a computer - just connect a memory card and admire your work in a simple, clean and bold frame.
Although they haven't been around that long, digital photo frames are hugely popular and the range of items available has gone on expanding. So let's get you quickly clued up on the key specifications that can be found in a variety of frames.
Some products emphasise image quality, some throw in as many cool extra bits as possible, whilst others focus on convenience. So here's a guide to help you choose the best digital photo frame:
Specifications:
Slideshow
This is perhaps the best thing about digital photo picture frames. Everyone gets bored with looking at the same photo after a while, however great it is!
Digital frames overcome this by allowing you to show a collection of pictures on rotation, with a specified time interval. You can leave it set on the same one, but the slideshow option is always there and really helps to liven up your office, bedroom, kitchen or wherever it happens to be.
The vast majority of frames include this function. One thing worth mentioning is that putting images on a slideshow draws attention to the need for a decent screen size. Don't go for one of the really cheap digital picture frames with a tiny, fussy little screen.
A collection of shots often has some in landscape format and some in portrait. You don't want to physically reposition the frame each time the display moves from one to the other. So with small display screens, portrait shots look far too small when the frame is in a landscape position, and vice versa.
A good example of a digital photo frame with a decent sized screen:
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Link to a computer
In my view, the best digital picture frames allow you to link them up to a computer with a USB cable. This may seem like an obvious specification - but watch out - some can only show images straight off a memory card. This is irritating because digital photographers sometimes like to use Photoshop to make images more worthy of display! So connecting the frame to a computer is pretty essential.
A good example of a digital photo frame which links to computers with a USB cable:
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Built in MP3 player
Many of the best digital picture frames now include a built in MP3 player and speakers. This lets you run your slideshow of images alongside music, which is quite a cool feature.
Personally, this is not a big priority. I have speakers and I have a digital photograph frame which I'm quite happy to remain separate. If you like the idea of linking the two together and giving a musical theme to your photos, there are lots of good options.
A good example of a digital photo frame with a built in MP3 player:
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Batteries
Some of the best digital photo picture frames come with batteries. This obviously gives you more freedom in positioning it, since it doesn't have to be connected to the mains.
Sometimes a cable sticking out the back of a digital photograph frame can be a bit unsightly and ruin the effect (it's usually easy to hide it though). Having batteries also allows you to pass the frame around friends so people can look at the pictures.
A good example of a digital photo frame with batteries: Linx 8" high resolution digital photo frame
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Quotable Quote: By furnishing this already crowded world with a duplicate one of images, photography makes us feel that the world is more available than it really is. - Susan Sontag |
Movie Player
If your digital camera allows you to record movies, the best digital photo frame for you could be one with a built in movie player. This is such a simple way to watch your movie clips on a screen, and makes the item so much more than just a 'frame'. With such goodimage and sound quality available, this is a very cool feature.
A good example of a digital photo frame with a built in movie player:
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Internet connection
A number of digital photo picture frames are being produced with wireless internet connection. What's the point? Well, many of you will doubtless upload your favourite pictures to photo sharing sites like Flickr and Photobucket.
Internet connection allows you to go straight to your portfolios on these sites, and display the pictures immediately in a nice frame! So if your frame is on your desk at work, for example, you still have constant access to a large collection of your pictures, which can be changed around as you choose.
A good example of a digital photo frame with wireless internet connection:
Polaroid CPU-01015B Wireless 10.2 inch Glass High Resolution Digital Picture Frame |
Link to a printer
A number of digital photo picture frames can be purchased with a printer that they connect to directly via a cable. Some even have a built in printer! So, if you enjoy the convenience and simplicity of digital frames - by passing the computer stage - this is a good specification to look for.
A good example of a digital photo frame with a built in printer:
Smartparts SP8PRT 8-Inch Digital Picture Frame with Built-In Printer |
What do I own?
Everyone's requirements are different,
but I own a Sony DPFX1000 10"
It hits the mark on all counts with a 10.2" size, 2GB internal memory space and great resolution. If you have similar requirements - this Sony digital photo frame is worth checking out.
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Have Your Say and Share Your Photos
What are your favourite digital photo picture frames? Have you found a really great product? Share your experiences, tips and ideas!
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Where Next? What to Look for in a Printer? |
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