Digital picture frames

The ViewSonic DPF8-CAM is part of the digital picture frame test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, digital picture frame models like the DPF8-CAM are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Picture quality:

Picture quality includes image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast. It's based mainly on the judgments of a panel who viewed photographs on each device, as well as lab measurements including viewing angle.

Viewing angle:

Viewing angle indicates the quality of images when viewed from 45 degrees of the center line both horizontally and vertically. This is important if you are standing above the frame and looking down, sitting at an angle to the frame, or sitting with the frame positioned above you. Viewing angle is calculated into the picture quality score.

Versatility:

Versatility mainly includes characteristics that aid in versatility and convenience. Those include the presence of hardware and menu-based navigation features. Also considered are the number of memory-card and USB slots; built-in memory; brightness, color, and contrast controls; removable picture frames and any extra frames included; audio and video playback; audio and video connections; PC-to-device image transfer speeds; number and duration of slideshow timings; the ability to delete images; and handling of non-compatible image formats.