It's hardly surprising that digital photo frames are becoming more popular all the time when you consider the added functionality that they offer. In comparison with conventional frames, which can only show one picture at a time, they have many more features and - if you take the cost of printing out hard copies of photographs into account - standard frames start to look like a pricey option.
Many digital frames combine video, audio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and other features may well be included. All digital frames let you create your own slideshows, usually with transitions, which will let you show all your photos using one single frame. On a cost per photograph displayed basis, digital frames are quite a bit more economical than conventional 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:
Buy The Frame To Suit The Intended Recipient: A large percentage of digital photo frames are selected as gifts, often for elderly relatives who might enjoy viewing photos of their children and grandchildren. Some digital frames have extra features such as full web browsers, internet radio, text news feeds, Wi-Fi etc. Apart from enhancing functionality, these high end features may also mean that the user interface is more complicated - and quite possibly more confusing. Plainly all these extra bells and whistles also mean a significantly higher price tag. So, if your intended gift recipient is chiefly interested in viewing pictures, you may be better to go for a more basic frame which will not only save you cash but be more likely to be used on a regular basis. More technologically aware users may enjoy web enabled features of course.
Don't Forget - A Well Known Brand Name Need Not Guarantee High Quality: You would probably be surprised at some of the low quality images displayed by the entry level models produced by some very well known brand name manufacturers. On the other side of the coin, you may be equally surprised (but pleasantly so) at the quality of some lesser known brands. Check out reviews - or try to see the frame working before you buy.
Choose The Appropriate Resolution: The most frequently selected frame size is seven inches. It's a reasonable compromise between size and cost - and it also corresponds with a typical conventional frame or photograph size. It's what you might expect to see 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 A Suitable Aspect Ratio: Generally speaking, digital frames come in two aspect ratios; 4:3 and 15:9. Digital cameras usually take photos which have a 4:3 aspect ratio - therefore a frame with this ratio will be well matched and ideal for displaying your snapshots. Choosing a 15:9 ratio will result in the top and bottom of your images being cropped in order for them to fit the display. Of course, you always have the option to manually crop your images - but choosing the correct aspect ratio will mean that this isn't necessary.
The Image Isn't The Complete Picture: Of course, a high quality image display is important - but you might have other requirements that need to be considered. Simplicity of use and functionality may be important factors for you. The user interface ease of use and the menu system can differ greatly from one frame to the next - so you may want to check those items out before making your final decision. You may even want something as simple as a timer which will power the frame down when not in use - or a frame with its own internal batter for use when travelling maybe.
These are simply a few suggestions for you. Consider the end user and the probable method of use and take some time to go over your options and you'll be able to find a good, economical, frame which will display your photos in a cost effective manner for many years to come.
Many digital frames combine video, audio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and other features may well be included. All digital frames let you create your own slideshows, usually with transitions, which will let you show all your photos using one single frame. On a cost per photograph displayed basis, digital frames are quite a bit more economical than conventional 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:
Buy The Frame To Suit The Intended Recipient: A large percentage of digital photo frames are selected as gifts, often for elderly relatives who might enjoy viewing photos of their children and grandchildren. Some digital frames have extra features such as full web browsers, internet radio, text news feeds, Wi-Fi etc. Apart from enhancing functionality, these high end features may also mean that the user interface is more complicated - and quite possibly more confusing. Plainly all these extra bells and whistles also mean a significantly higher price tag. So, if your intended gift recipient is chiefly interested in viewing pictures, you may be better to go for a more basic frame which will not only save you cash but be more likely to be used on a regular basis. More technologically aware users may enjoy web enabled features of course.
Don't Forget - A Well Known Brand Name Need Not Guarantee High Quality: You would probably be surprised at some of the low quality images displayed by the entry level models produced by some very well known brand name manufacturers. On the other side of the coin, you may be equally surprised (but pleasantly so) at the quality of some lesser known brands. Check out reviews - or try to see the frame working before you buy.
Choose The Appropriate Resolution: The most frequently selected frame size is seven inches. It's a reasonable compromise between size and cost - and it also corresponds with a typical conventional frame or photograph size. It's what you might expect to see 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 A Suitable Aspect Ratio: Generally speaking, digital frames come in two aspect ratios; 4:3 and 15:9. Digital cameras usually take photos which have a 4:3 aspect ratio - therefore a frame with this ratio will be well matched and ideal for displaying your snapshots. Choosing a 15:9 ratio will result in the top and bottom of your images being cropped in order for them to fit the display. Of course, you always have the option to manually crop your images - but choosing the correct aspect ratio will mean that this isn't necessary.
The Image Isn't The Complete Picture: Of course, a high quality image display is important - but you might have other requirements that need to be considered. Simplicity of use and functionality may be important factors for you. The user interface ease of use and the menu system can differ greatly from one frame to the next - so you may want to check those items out before making your final decision. You may even want something as simple as a timer which will power the frame down when not in use - or a frame with its own internal batter for use when travelling maybe.
These are simply a few suggestions for you. Consider the end user and the probable method of use and take some time to go over your options and you'll be able to find a good, economical, frame which will display your photos in a cost effective manner for many years to come.
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