Buyers Guide: Digital Picture Frame

Digital picture frames may be small, but that doesn't mean that they aren't packed with features that distinguish one model from the others. Knowing all about the different digital picture frames will help you get exactly the one you want.

Basic digital picture frame

Knowing how you'll use your digital picture frame is the first step in deciding which one to buy.

If you want a digital picture frame only so that you can display your digital pictures without having to print them out, then the most basic model with a USB port or memory card slot will suffice. It will keep your life simple and will save you money as well, because the basic models cost less than the feature-packed ones.

The USB port or memory card slot is how you can load pictures into the digital picture frame. If you have your picture files in your USB drive or memory card, you can simply plug these storage devices into your digital picture frame's USB port or memory card slot and view your pictures instantly.

It's best to look for a digital picture frame that will let you save the picture files in the frame's own memory card so that you can take your USB drive or memory card away from the frame and still be able to view pictures.

More advanced digital picture frames

If you find a simple slideshow of pictures too boring for your taste, then you could get a more sophisticated digital picture frame-one that allows you to customize your slideshows.

Customizations include slide transition effects and audio. While it will take more time to prepare your slideshows with customizations, you can be certain that you'll end up with an enhanced experience of viewing your favorite pictures.

Many digital picture frames will let you watch video files as well.

Frames with Internet connectivity

Some digital picture frames have Internet connectivity options. These frames let you connect to the Internet either through an Internet cable from the phone line or through Wi-Fi.

What can you do with Internet-connected frames? Depending on their model and brand, you can

• upload your pictures into a dedicated server, so you can display more pictures in a single digital picture frame;
• show pictures from Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, e-mail, etc.;
• stream music and radio broadcast from the Internet, adding sound to your digital picture frame's slideshows;
• receive text news feeds;
• display weather forecasts; and
• browse the Internet.

Again, these functions are extras and could unnecessarily complicate your digital picture frame's usage. But if you enjoy having multi-function gadgets, then these types of frames might be for you.

Resolution, loading time, and aspect ratio

When you buy a digital picture frame, make sure that the resolution is high enough so that the pictures will come out sharp and clear, not blurry and pixelated. The minimum resolution for your digital picture frame should be 640 by 480px. Any less than that, and you won't be getting good-quality pictures.

Check also how long it takes for pictures to load, especially the high-resolution ones. It will be very annoying if you have to wait five seconds before a picture appears fully in your digital picture frame.

The aspect ratio, on the other hand, varies between 4:3 and 15:9. A 4:3 aspect ratio is generally what most digital cameras use, so digital frames such as these will provide the best fit for your camera's pictures.

Frames with a 15:9 aspect ratio, on the other hand, will give your pictures a widescreen-image feel, but you'll be cropping a bit from the top and bottom of the pictures. Choose these frames if you want a more cinematic look to your pictures.

Prices

The prices of digital picture frames vary significantly, depending on their brand, model, and features available.

Typically, you can get a decent digital picture frame for as low as $85. Most basic digital picture frames cost around $100, while the more advanced models with complete Internet connectivity and various additional features have prices that can reach up to $250.

However, a higher price doesn't necessarily mean a better digital picture frame. Nothing beats testing the product and seeing how clear your pictures look in it and how quickly they load.

Summary

• If you only want a digital picture frame to display the pictures you upload into it, then buy a basic digital picture frame without any frills attached.
• More complex frames allow you to add effects and audio to your slideshows.
• Some digital picture frames show videos as well.
• Digital picture frames with Internet connectivity allow you to stream image and audio content, even text content.
• The frame resolution should be no less than 640 by 480, and an aspect ratio of 4:3 is the best fit for pictures from your digital camera.
• Check how quickly high-resolution pictures load on the digital picture frame you are buying.
• Prices can range from $85 to $250.