dabs.com - Digital Photo frame buyers guide

Digital Photo frame buyers guide

What to look for in a Digital Photo frame...

Phillips digital photo frame Over the past few years, there's been an explosion in digital photography. Cameras have become smaller, cheaper and capable of taking photos at a higher resolution. However viewing these "cherished snaps" is a different matter. Like most people, you've probably transferred your pictures to your PC or Laptop and printed off just a handful of your most creative efforts either on line or via your photo printer. But, because of the relative costs, you've kept back several "near misses" which don't quite justify the cost of printing or the time to upload.

The chances are, you've copied your photo taking endeavours - to the PC or Laptop and viewed them once, only for them to be archived away forever because your PC is not located in a place where it's convenient for your family and friends to view the photographs. Burning them to CD to watch on TV is one of those jobs you never seem to get round to doing ...

With the advent of the digital photo frame, you and your family and friends can now re live those memories any time you like - usually from the comfort of your armchair. You could even have a digital photo frame at your workplace and replace that faded family portrait tucked at the side of your monitor. With prices now being so low, they make a perfect gift or the ideal treat for yourself! And because you don't need a PC to use it, you can buy one for even the most "non technical" friend or family member - pre loaded with family snaps of course!!

There's been a massive increase in the popularity of the digital photo frame - probably because of the huge reduction in price and improvement in TFT technology of late. You can see our full range of digital photo frames here, but read on to find out more.

So, what should you look out for when buying your first digital photo frame?

SIZE:

Digital Photo Frames start from as small as 1.5" and go up to a whopping 15"!! The size is measured across the diagonal. Obviously, the larger the frame, the more expensive it is. The most popular size is about 7 inches, as this would fit comfortably on a coffee table or mantelpiece in a lounge without being too obtrusive. Our smallest digital photo frame in an amazing 1.5"! and is conveniently built into a keyring, so that you can carry your favourite snaps with you wherever you go.

RESOLUTION:

Similar to a TFT display, resolution is measured in a "pixel by pixel" format. So a typical 7" frame would give a resolution of 720 x 480 pixels, and a larger 15", would display would give 1600x1200 pixels Screens can be "widescreen" format with a 16:9 aspect ratio like a widescreen TV, or 4:3 like a "traditional" TV.

BUILT IN MEMORY:

Many digital photo frames have a certain amount of built in memory so that you can copy photo's straight form your PC to the frame [and occasionally straight from the camera]. 256Mb of RAM is quite common.

MEMORY CARDS:

Your digital camera probably takes one of the many memory cards available - popular types are xD, SD, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro and compact flash [CFlash]. You should look out for a frame which takes as many types as possible, so that you won't have to change your photo frame every time you get a new camera! Plus you'll be able to let your visiting friends use their cards to show their own photos too!!. This will not usually mean paying over the odds, and many frames have a plethora of slots for memory cards. Accessing your pictures on the card is usually part of the on screen display or "user interface", which allows you to select the source of images and other options.

SLIDE SHOW & VIDEO:

The majority of digital photo frames can scroll through your pictures in a slide show format, and you should be able to alter the time each photo is displayed on the screen, the transition effect between pictures and the brightness of the screen. Also, as many cameras can take short films, look out for a frame which can play MPEG and AVI movies [the format your digital camera will probably record in]. Also check if it has stereo speakers built in - a must if you want to hear what you've filmed!!! Again most digital photo frames on the market have this facility as standard.

POWER:

Even though you will probably be showing your photo's in a place where there's mains Power, if you want to avoid trailing wires, look out for a frame which has batteries [ideally rechargeable ones] built in.

BRANDS:

A number of manufacturers now have a selection of digital photo frames available. Most popular ones at the moment are PHILIPS, and KODAK. We have an extensive range here at dabs.com, including our own dabs value line which is perfect for those of you who are cost conscious.

Extras which you might want to look for in your new purchase are:

TV Out - this will allow the frame to connect to your TV and see your photo's full size - great for when you have friends and family visiting.

Bluetooth capability - this will allow you to copy photos from your mobile phone straight to the frame for immediate sharing

Wireless Capability - if you have a wireless network in the house, you'll be able to connect the frame to your PC and display the photo's from it. Or you could transfer your pictures from your laptop wirelessly to the frame too. View wireless photo frames here.

Remote Control - The majority of digital photo frames come with a remote control of some description so that you can stop your slide show and generally access the user interface to make changes like the length of time the photo is on the screen and the contrast of the picture.

MP3 Capability - this will allow you to add background music to your slide shows making your slideshows even more enjoyable and memorable!

Finally, remember your digital photo frame will probably be in a prominent position in the lounge and therefore part of the furniture - always on display even if it's switched off. Make sure it fits into the decor of your house if you can, try to get a frame with an interchangeable surround or a wood finish which compliments your decor!

View our full range of Frames. Prices start as low as £20.

To see a video clip of the latest PHILIPS Photo Frame on dabs.tv click here.