The Coby DP702 7-Inch Wide-screen Digital Photo Frame is a decent electronic picture frame and a great value for the price (under $40 on Amazon). While it is not a high-end multi-media device, it still has all the features you need in a photo frame, making it a real bargain for everyone looking for a basic 7 inch frame.

The image quality is satisfactory and the wooden frame is really nice.  The menus are easy to maneuver. The frame works with a variety of memory cards, including SD, MMC, MS, xD, and CF card slots, and USB for flash memory drives.  The frame comes with a remote control.  You can choose  to play slide show, audio files, and video files.  You can also display a calendar and clock with alarm timer.  You can mount it on a wall, although you will need to hide the cable somehow.

Overall, if you are very picky about your picture quality and resolution – then this frame is probably not for you. But if you want just an inexpensive frame that will do a decent job displaying picture slideshows – then you may want to consider Coby DP702 7-Inch Widescreen Digital Photo Frame – and you will not be disappointed.

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While I was browsing the Internet for ideas about digital photo frames, I came across a document explaining how to turn a Macintosh computer into an electronic picture frame. Since I use a PC I could not test the instructions, but it seems they could be useful to everybody who has a Mac and would like to use it to display pictures in a slideshow on the screen.

“Most people display pictures on their desk inside picture frames or hung on the wall as posters. Rather than force yourself to deal with such archaic display technology, you can store and display pictures on your Macintosh screen. By turning your Macintosh into an electronic picture frame, you can display the same image or multiple images one after another in a slideshow. If you don’t yet have any pictures you want to display, you can take pictures of yourself or others using your Macintosh computer’s built-in iSight digital camera.

Project goal: Turn your Macintosh into an electronic picture frame that displays pictures in a slideshow on your screen…”

Download to read the entire document: Turning Your Macintosh into an Electronic Picture Frame

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Many people who purchased a digital frames have been pleased with the Westinghouse 8-inch DPF-0802. This frame provides some unusual features for the price (about $115 on Amazon), including a high resolution (800 x 600), 4:3 aspect ratio, 128 MB of memory (upgradeable with cards) and the ability to split the screen into quarters and display four equal-size photos at a time. A 10-inch version, the Westinghouse DPF-1021 (about $210), and 14-inch version of this frame are also available.

This digital frame doesn’t have an option to play audio and has no remote control. It has a large 8-inch LCD display for showing off your photo and video collection. The frame supports JPEG, AVI Motion-JPEG, MPEG 1, MPEG 4 file formats.

westington house 8-inch electronic picture frame

You can store your media on the built-in 128 MB internal memory or use the card reader to connect CF, MD, MS, SD, MMC, and xD memory cards. Additional features included MosaicView slideshow technology, favorite picture selection, photo shuffle, save and delete function, extendable stand for angle adjustment, and auto-play after memory card insertion.

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Today, plain and simple picture frames and photo albums are becoming so passe. After all, they only show one picture at a time. YAWN! Even collage photo frames, that can display many pics at at time, are so hopelessly static.

Their main advantage over traditional picture frames is that they offer a simple, convenient way of sharing your picture collections with the world anywhere, any time. You can have an automated slide show set up, or maybe you’d can play some music in the background. You can even choose small, portable digital photo frames, or a digital keychain photo frame – so that you can carry your memories with you whenever you are traveling.

Years ago it was very common to find roll upon rolls of undeveloped film tucked away in your bedroom drawers. Today it’s typical for photographers to have their snapshots stored on memory cards, CD-ROMs, or maybe their PC’s hard drive. In the best-case scenario, they are uploaded to photo albums on the web and shared with others, but most often than not, the digital photo collections are unknown, unshared and unappreciated.

The key points that may persuade users to opt for a digital picture frame rather than either a standard frame or a photo album are the facts that digital frames can store large numbers of photos and that no cost or resource is required to print physical copies of the photographs.

Digital photo frames can store thousands of photos on a variety of electronic memory devices – some frames have their own internal memory, but for those that don’t, cheap memory cards can be used as the storage medium. The photos stored in this manner can be automatically cycled through to display a slide show with preset timings between different images – or the picture on display can be set in static mode and then changed manually.

No more rooting around in the attic or searching through old shoe boxes looking for that photo you’ve just remembered about.

The fact that the images are stored electronically is also a big benefit. It means that there is no requirement to pay processing charges, or to cover the printing costs for your collection of family pictures, travel memories, child photography or other in order to either view it yourself or to display it to your family, friends and colleagues.

I think it’s unlikely that traditional photo albums and photo frames will disappear completely any time soon. People will probably still have some of their favorite pictures printed out. But, with digital photography era when people can use digital photo albums online and electronic picture frames, I can well imagine bulky photo albums being phased out relatively quickly.

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If you don’t expect highest quality of pictures, then this affordable electronic picture frame from Samsung may be a good choice. This digital picture frame comes in white, pink, or black. The frame is eye-catching, and it calls attention to the pictures that it displays. Other sizes, including 8-inch, and 10-inch versions, are also available. The 8″ version is the only one with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the ideal and native ratio for 99+% of digital cameras.

The Samsung provides 120MB internal memory. The hidden SD card slot allows you to add extra memory if you want to be able to upload more photos.

A wide variety of slide show options allows you to express your creative side. You can choose the slide show option that you prefer and simply view your images displayed before your eyes. If you turn the SPF-71E off then turn it on again; it automatically remembers where it was in the sequence and resumes play.

Samsung SPF-71E Electronic Picture Frame

The intelligent auto-resizing function gives you more space to save your memories. By displaying photos at their optimum resolution, more pictures can be stored in the 120MB internal memory so you can upload more images.

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The Kodak EasyShare P720 digital frame is a generation beyond the earlier models. Its user-friendly touch border interface allows you to access slide show setup directly from the frame. The interface is easy to use even for someone not entirely comfortable with new technologies.

The frame comes with a black frame and two colored mattes (burgundy and silver) to match your home’s decor.

Transferring pictures from your PC to your P720 is quick. Photos can be introduced either through a USB device or a memory card. Old digital frames used to have individual slots for the different kinds of memory cards, but the EasyShare has a single one that accommodates SD, XD, MMC, and MS cards. The included CD with EasyShare software is for Windows only; however, Mac software is available on the Kodak site. The best part of this frame is that you don’t need the software to use it right out of the box. Simply stick in a memory device, turn it on, and the frame begins displaying. The only features this frame is missing that some more advanced models have are wireless connectivity and MP3 playback.

The frame can be oriented for horizontal or vertical use. Because the device “letterboxes” photos not laid out in the same manner as the frame, the best look comes from a selection of photographs taken in the same manner — for example, all horizontal photos for the horizontal display option. Choose from two different angles for table top display or mount it on the wall (hanging hardware not included); the white power cord is meant to be unobtrusive against a light background.

The frame displays pictures in HD format (16:9 aspect ratio) using Kodak Color Science. The images are color tuned to Kodak’s standards and use Kodak Color Science for vibrant colors and pleasing skin tones and crisp detail.

Easy, absolutely no-fuss and with no need to be technical savvy, this digital picture frame is totally cool. 

Keep in mind that the frame does not come with a memory chip. Obviously, all digital cameras have a memory chip, but if you use that then you won’t be able to take more pictures! The USB drive option will not only hold more photos, but makes it really easy to change out your selection. So if you are planning to give it as a gift, I would recommend packaging it with a USB flash drive like the Kingston 8GB DataTraveler USB flash drive – High Speed USB, maybe already loaded up with some pictures.

Kodak EasyShare P720 Highlights From the Manufacturer

 
Simple to use

• Back lighting–the touch panel features yellow lights that illuminate to tell you exactly where to touch, leaving the screen fingerprint and smudge-free.
• Create, edit and view slide shows–at the touch of your fingertips

Smart, intuitive media

• Start viewing your pictures right away–just insert a memory card or USB flash drive and enjoy
• A frame full of features: slide shows your way, thumbnails, copy, delete, and print
• Selectable viewing hours featuring automatic on/off settings
• Easily access and transfer pictures
• Kodak Easyshare Software, Digital Frame Edition, makes it easy to access all of your pictures and transfer them from your computer to your frame
• Create multimedia slide shows on your desktop using pictures, videos, and music and easily transfer them to your frame
• Easily browse and edit your albums
• The convenient drag-and-drop feature is perfect for transferring pictures for slide shows
• Store more pictures Store more pictures with two SD card slots.

Excellent viewing experience

• View your pictures on the 7-inch. (25.4 cm) 16:9 wide screen
• Kodak Color Science for vibrant color and crisp detail.

Accessorize your pictures

• Display your frame on a tabletop or on a wall–vertically or horizontally
• Add style to any decor with accessory faceplates (optional)
• Your frame comes with two decorative mattes in silver and red that allow you to personalize your look and compliment your home decor
• Discreet cord design–barely visible

 

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This Sony DPF-V900 9-inch Digital Photo Frame a great product to choose if you want to view and share your pictures in high-contrast color on a 9-inch LCD screen.

Sony DPF-V900 provides excellent aesthetics, superb image quality, and host of additional features. At $250, it isn’t cheap, and for many users some of its extras, like Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, may not be worth the added expense. If you don’t need all these extra options and don’t mind sacrificing 2 inches, you may want to choose the cheaper Sony DPF-D70 7-inch (about $139.99).

The sleek, attractive design—a uniform black frame with a metal band around the outside edge—makes it look more like a traditional picture frame than most of its competitors. The display has a glossy finish, which makes images look extra sharp but does show some glare. The IR receiver is not visible, and the illuminated Sony logo can be switched off, leaving the border completely black.

Sony DPFV900 provides fast response, direct input from most digital cameras and memory cards, and special features to enhance photo quality. Operation is simple, and direct HDMI output lets you hook up your frame to your compatible HDTV for giant-screen slide shows. It comes with a remote control, slide show viewing, clock/calendar modes and wireless Bluetooth capability (with optional accessory) to let you display photos from Bluetooth devices and camera phones.

Sony DPF-V900 Highlights From the Manufacturer

Clear, Vivid LCD Display Display hundreds of your favorite photos in vibrant, true-to-life color, WVGA resolution (800×400 pixels) gives you sharp details photo displays in a wide screen (15:9) aspect ratio.

Internal Memory. Store your favorite photos on internal memory with up to 512MB of internal memory. Or expand your storage capacity by adding a compatible memory card (sold separately).

HDMI Output. Connect to your HDTV to display a giant-screen slide show for family and friends (HDMI cable required, sold separately).

Calendar Mode
USB Ports. Quickly transfer digital images to/from your PC, camera, camera phone, or other compatible storage device (USB cables sold separately).

Bluetooth Ready. Transfer images wirelessly from your PC or camera phone to your compatible Sony Digital Photo Frame via Bluetooth (optional Bluetooth USB adaptor DPPA-BT1 required, sold separately).

Auto Power On/Off. Specify the times (hour/minute) to have your photo frame automatically turn on and off.

Advanced Image Processing. Quickly decode and display up to 48 Megapixel or 100MB images, including JPEG, TIFF, BMP, and RAW file types.

Display Modes

Index. Quickly find a particular image by displaying thumbnail images.
Single Image. Display a single image in Fit-to-Screen or Entire Image modes.
Slide shows. Ten variations, including Fade, Wipe, Center Cross, Vertical Blinds, Horizontal Blinds, Multiple Image, Clock/Image, Calendar/Image, and Random.
Digital Clock. Displays a running digital clock.
Analog Clock. Displays a running analog clock.
Calendar. Displays a calendar of the current month.

Auto Image Rotation & Auto Orientation Sensor. The photo frame can be set to automatically detect and rotate images to their proper orientation. Also, the frame can self-detect whether it is sitting horizontally or vertically, and then automatically rotate images accordingly.

Memory Card Support. Import images or expand the storage capacity with one of these compatible memory card types, including Memory Stick media and Memory Stick PRO Duo media, SD, MMC, CF, Microdrive, and xD Picture cards.

Auto Touch-Up Features. Sony’s high-performance BIONZ image processor automatically optimizes your photos, including correction for focus, re-eye, skin tone, and exposure. Simply display the image you want to correct, select AUTO TOUCH-UP from the menu, and save the corrected image as a new file. The Sony Digital Photo Frame even saves original copy.

Remote Control. Using the supplied remote control, you can navigate Sony Digital Photo Frames without leaving the comfort of your couch or office chair. Key functions such as playing slide shows, switching view modes, zooming in/out on photos, and saving internal memory, can be activated by dedicated buttons on the remote control.

Read more about Electronic Picture Frames and How to Choose a Digital Photo Frame.

In the age of digital cameras, electronic picture frames are the logical next step. Why be restricted to displaying a single picture? No wonder, more and more people are opting for digital photo frames.

Digital photo frames have become one of the most popular electronics gifts for teens, parents, and grandparents. For a special gift, pre-load the frame’s memory card or USB device with memorable pictures and insert it in the frame before wrapping. This will allow your recipient to enjoy the gift straight from the box!  

There are so many frames on the market at this point ranging widely in prices that you may find it difficult to decide which one to buy.  Here are some points to consider when making your selection.

How to Choose the Best Digital Photo Frame for Your Needs

Ease of Use
Electronic picture frames are becoming feature rich. Some of these clever devices allow you to integrate video, sound, bluetooth, wi-fi, and a variety of other technologies – such as Internet browsers, Internet radio streaming, and displaying text news feeds.

However, some of the digital picture frames on the market have so many features that they may be confusing to inexperienced users. Many people just don’t like to fiddle with complicated menus and read manuals. They just want to upload the pictures and enjoy them. 

On the other hand, more sophisticated users will enjoy advanced features, such as the ability to e-mail photos or see up-to-date weather forecasts. Features like dedicated e-mail addresses make basic Wi-Fi frames, a good fit for anyone with a wireless network.

Digital frames also need a power source — so you’ll have to place it near an outlet.

Don’t base your decision on brand name alone
Sony, Kodak and Samsung are all excellent brands, but some lesser known companies make excellent electronic picture frames too. One brand that is recommended by many is Pandigital. Their PanTouch 8-inch Digital Photo Frame delivers a great value. It is a touch-enabled frame that provides a good viewing experience for the money. The frame offers picture adjustments for brightness, contrast, tint, and color for fine-tuning almost any photo to perfection. So the best advice is to read reviews before you buy.

Screen size
The most affordable electronic picture frames have a display area of about 5.6 inches (measured diagonally). While that size might be easy enough to view if you are sitting right in front of it, you won’t see much from an angle or a few feet away. So it’s helpful to consider where you’ll be placing the frame. Large picture frames can measure up to 15 inches. 

Resolution
Don’t save on resolution: 640×480 pixels or higher is best. Low prices on some frames (below $80), may make them attractive, but be aware that you’ll be sacrificing quality of your images. Resolution of 480 by 234 pixels is too low to display sharp details, so images may look boxy and pixelated! In my opinion, you should consider only frames with a resolution of 640-by-480 or higher.

Aspect Ratio
Photo frames typically come in one of two aspect ratios, 4:3 or 15:9. Most digital cameras shoot in a 4:3 aspect ratio and a frame with a matching 4:3 ratio is ideal. Frames with a 16:9 widescreen ratio will crop or stretch photos to fit the format to the screen, or display them in a letterbox to fit the image on the LCD screen.

On the other hand, a 15:9 aspect ratio will give your pictures a widescreen feel. For example, one of the great digital frames, the Sony DPF-V900 9-inch Digital Photo Frame, displays in 15:9. That, together with its slick design and intuitive software, makes it look and feel like a mini HDTV.

Connectivity
Wi-Fi features are proudly mentioned in descriptions and advertising for electronic picture frames, but in reality, many people posting reviews find setting up wireless features difficult. While wireless connectivity seems great in theory,even those who consider themselves computer savvy have had trouble getting Wi-Fi frames to communicate with a home wireless network. If you’re thinking of buying a frame as a gift, be sure to consider whether the recipient has a wireless network at home and their level of technical skills.

Memory-card compatibility
Although most digital frames support multiple memory card formats and have USB slots, confirm that the memory card you use is supported. A memory card adapter can be purchased separately, but it’s an additional expense.

Music and Video
Do you want to play music and video? Many digital picture frames can play MP3 files. Some play video files, but supported formats vary. Kodak frames play MOV files, others play AVI or MPEG4. However, when you read reviews, video and MP3 playback in general seems spotty.

Read more about Electronic Picture Frames and Can Electronic Picture Frames Replace Photo Albums?.