Features

Certain features, like aspect ratio and image quality, can help ensure your satisfaction with a digital picture frame long after you buy it. Here are some of the more important features to consider.

Resolution and image quality

We recommend 8-inch frames with 800x600 resolution. (Larger frames might have higher resolutions.) Almost all of the displays we tested were judged Good or Very Good for overall picture quality. The screen surface also might affect how well you see the picture. All but one model (the Mustek) had nonreflective screens, but three, the Smartparts, Pandigital, and Digital Spectrum MV-800 Plus, have the screen under a piece of glass that creates a bit of glare.

Image quality

This is a frame's most important attribute. Many models have matte, nonreflective screens. Others place the screen under a piece of glass that creates a bit of glare in some cases, even if the glass has an anti-glare coating.

Display resolution

Display resolution is as stated by the manufacturer. It's the number of pixels, horizontally by vertically, that the frame can display. We recommend frames with a pixel resolution of at least 800x600 or 800x480, which produces a visual resolution of about 100 pixels per inch.

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio represents the relationship between an image's height and width. Most frames use either a 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio. They work well because most digital cameras shoot at 4:3 and digital SLR cameras shoot at 3:2. But an increasing number of frames utilize the widescreen 16:9 ratio typical of digital TV sets. Many cameras can shoot images at 16:9, but only if you change the camera's default setting. If you shoot at the standard 4:3 or 3:2, displaying those images on a 16:9 frame can distort the images as the frame stretches and crops to make the pictures fit. You can also select a 4:3 setting on those frames, but that leaves black bars on each side of the image. Frames with 4:3 aspect ratio provide the best view for most people.

Screen size

Frames generally range in size from about 3x5 to 10x12 inches. What's more important is the display area within the frame. We tested 7- and 8-inch frames, measured diagonally.

Controls

With most frames, you insert your camera's memory card into a slot, turn the frame on, and watch your photos display in slideshow fashion. With others, though, you must decide whether to display a still image or slideshow each time you turn on the frame. The multiple layers of controls for tasks such as choosing only to view certain pictures or showing pictures from a memory card can be frustrating. Some frames have onboard software and controls for selecting images stored on a card or in the frame's internal memory and, in most cases, for setting slideshow timings, transitions, and brightness. Frames with the controls in front are easier to use. While controls placed on the side or back of them frame are out of sight, they're also harder to reach, and you're forced to tilt the frame back and forth to see the settings you're changing on the screen.

Versatility

Most frames can be set to either the wider "landscape" mode or the taller "portrait" mode. But not all offer that versatility, so check before you buy. A number of frames can automatically rotate individual photos to their proper orientation, but only if the pictures were taken by a camera that records orientation as it shoots. Some frames can be hung on walls but all the frames we tested require AC power, so there is a power cord to contend with. Generally, digital frames are best suited for use on a desk or credenza. Frames with removable outside borders can be customized to match a room's decor. We also found that some models would simply skip over incompatible picture types, such as TIFF and RAW, but others would display an error message, which can be annoying.

Built-in storage

Some frames have built-in memory that can store images, which is more convenient than leaving your camera's memory card in the frame. Look for at least 256MB.

Memory cards

Most models can accept the common types of memory card, such as SD, Compact Flash, and Memory Stick. Make sure the frame can use the same type as your camera.

USB port

If you want to transfer digital images directly from your computer, look for a frame with a USB port. (Those with a USB 2.0 port, noted in the Ratings, available to subscribers, have faster transfer rates than those with 1.1.)

Ease of use

Most of the frames we tested were reasonably easy to use. You insert your camera's memory card into a slot, turn the frame on, and your photos display in slideshow fashion. With others, though, you must decide whether to display a still image or slideshow each time you turn on the frame. Some have onboard software and controls for selecting images stored on a card or in the frame's internal memory and, in most cases, for setting slideshow timings, transitions, and brightness. Frames with the controls in front are easier to use. Placing the controls on the side or back of the frame, as some models do, keeps them out of sight. But it also makes them harder to reach and forces you to tilt the frame back and forth to see the settings you're changing on the screen. A wireless remote makes the frames easier to use. The software menus were often difficult to use, and the meanings of various settings were unclear. Also, brightness and contrast controls on many frames were either non-existent or had little effect.

Wi-Fi

If you get a frame with Wi-Fi connectivity, you might be able to download photos from your computer's hard drive (provided that it also has a network connection). Many frames also connect with particular photo-sharing sites. Most are free, but the Ceiva, for example, lets you retrieve photos only from a Web site that requires a subscription fee.

Bluetooth

A few frames let you connect via Bluetooth. If your camera or cell phone has Bluetooth, you might find that to be a handy way to get photos to your frame.

Audio and video extras

Some models allow you to accompany slideshows with music or narration. It's fairly simple to do with some frames and a bit more involved with others. Some models can play AVI Motion JPEG video with sound, others can play it without sound, and a few can also play MPEG1 and MPEG4 digital video formats. A few frames includes a built-in iPod dock for showing photos and playing music. But keep in mind that the speakers on the frames are not the best for listening to music.

Connections

Not all frames that work with Windows computers also work with Macs. Look specifically for models that work with Macs if that's what you have.

Remote

A wireless remote makes the frames easier to use.

See also:

Digital cameras

Scanners

Inkjet & laser printers