Digital photo frames are becoming ever more popular - and it's hardly surprising when you look at what they have to offer. They have many more features than traditional frames which are only capable of displaying one photo at a time and - if you consider the cost associated with printing out hard copies of photographs - traditional frames begin to look like an expensive choice.
A lot of digital frames combine audio, bluetooth, video and WiFi and other features may also be included. Most digital frames allow you to make your own slideshows with transitions, which will permit you to display all of you photos using just one frame. Working on a cost per photo displayed basis, digital frames are considerably less expensive than traditional ones.
And, sticking with the subject of cost, the LCD technology used by these frames is reducing in cost which means that digital frames are now available at very reasonable prices. However, before you rush out and get one, here are a few pointers that you may wish to consider:
Choose Your Frame With The Intended Recipient In Mind: A very high percentage of digital photo frames are specifically selected for use as gifts - often for elderly relatives who want to view photos of their family and friends. Some frames have additional features - internet radio, news feeds, web browsers etc. However, as well as providing increased functionality, these higher end features can also result in a user interface of increased complexity - possibly even confusing. Obviously all these extra functions also result in a higher price tag. So, if you are choosing a frame as a gift, and if the lucky recipient is mainly interested in looking at snapshots, you may actually be well advised to consider one of the more basic frames. This will not only save you a few dollars, but the frame will be more likely to be used regularly.
Don't Assume That A Well Known Brand Name Is A Guarantee Of Quality: You might be surprised at some of the poor quality images provided by the entry level frames which are produced by some well known household names. Conversely, you might also be surprised - and pleasantly so - at the quality offered by some of the lesser known brands available. Read reviews - or try to see the frame in the flesh before you part with your cash.
Get A Frame With The Correct Resolution: The seven inch size is the most popular digital frame choice. It offers a decent size frame at a reasonable price - and it's also pretty similar to the size of many conventional frames. It's about the size that people are used to in other words.
The resolution for a frame of this size shouldn't really be any lower than 640 X 480 pixels. Any less than this and you will have blocky, pixelated photos on display. There's not much point in saving money if the quality is too low for what you want.
Choose The Right Aspect Ratio: As a rule, digital frames come in two different aspect ratios; 15:9 and 4:3. The majority of digital cameras take photos which have a ratio of 4:3 - so a frame with this aspect will be better for showing off your photos. If you use a 15:9 aspect ratio frames then the top and the bottom of your images will be cropped so that they fit on the screen. Alternatively you can crop your images manually before putting them on display.
The Image May Not Be The Whole Picture: A high quality image display is very important of course - but you may very well have other features on your wish list. For example - you may be interested in a frame that is simple to use and has good functionality. Integrated WiFi - which lets you load up pictures wirelessly using your home wireless network may be something that you'd be willing to pay a little extra for. Something as simple as a frame with its own internal battery that you could use when travelling may be ideal for you.
These are just a few points to consider. Think about the end user and the most likely mode of usage, take a little time to review your options and you'll almost certainly be able to find a good frame which will economically display your photographs for years to come. - 30452
A lot of digital frames combine audio, bluetooth, video and WiFi and other features may also be included. Most digital frames allow you to make your own slideshows with transitions, which will permit you to display all of you photos using just one frame. Working on a cost per photo displayed basis, digital frames are considerably less expensive than traditional ones.
And, sticking with the subject of cost, the LCD technology used by these frames is reducing in cost which means that digital frames are now available at very reasonable prices. However, before you rush out and get one, here are a few pointers that you may wish to consider:
Choose Your Frame With The Intended Recipient In Mind: A very high percentage of digital photo frames are specifically selected for use as gifts - often for elderly relatives who want to view photos of their family and friends. Some frames have additional features - internet radio, news feeds, web browsers etc. However, as well as providing increased functionality, these higher end features can also result in a user interface of increased complexity - possibly even confusing. Obviously all these extra functions also result in a higher price tag. So, if you are choosing a frame as a gift, and if the lucky recipient is mainly interested in looking at snapshots, you may actually be well advised to consider one of the more basic frames. This will not only save you a few dollars, but the frame will be more likely to be used regularly.
Don't Assume That A Well Known Brand Name Is A Guarantee Of Quality: You might be surprised at some of the poor quality images provided by the entry level frames which are produced by some well known household names. Conversely, you might also be surprised - and pleasantly so - at the quality offered by some of the lesser known brands available. Read reviews - or try to see the frame in the flesh before you part with your cash.
Get A Frame With The Correct Resolution: The seven inch size is the most popular digital frame choice. It offers a decent size frame at a reasonable price - and it's also pretty similar to the size of many conventional frames. It's about the size that people are used to in other words.
The resolution for a frame of this size shouldn't really be any lower than 640 X 480 pixels. Any less than this and you will have blocky, pixelated photos on display. There's not much point in saving money if the quality is too low for what you want.
Choose The Right Aspect Ratio: As a rule, digital frames come in two different aspect ratios; 15:9 and 4:3. The majority of digital cameras take photos which have a ratio of 4:3 - so a frame with this aspect will be better for showing off your photos. If you use a 15:9 aspect ratio frames then the top and the bottom of your images will be cropped so that they fit on the screen. Alternatively you can crop your images manually before putting them on display.
The Image May Not Be The Whole Picture: A high quality image display is very important of course - but you may very well have other features on your wish list. For example - you may be interested in a frame that is simple to use and has good functionality. Integrated WiFi - which lets you load up pictures wirelessly using your home wireless network may be something that you'd be willing to pay a little extra for. Something as simple as a frame with its own internal battery that you could use when travelling may be ideal for you.
These are just a few points to consider. Think about the end user and the most likely mode of usage, take a little time to review your options and you'll almost certainly be able to find a good frame which will economically display your photographs for years to come. - 30452
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