SIZE
Digital photo frames are available in a range of sizes from keyring to 15 inch screens for personal use and even 32 inch photo frames for use in public areas such as hotels,supermarkets,classrooms or museums and galleries. The size is measured across the diagonal and generally speaking the larger the frame the more expensive it is, although this may depend on the range of other features it possesses.
RESOLUTION
Resolution is measured in pixels and for the best clarity look for the highest resolution. e.g. a digital photo frame with a resolution of 800 x 600 will have a width of 800 pixels and a height of 600 pixels.
Digital photo frame screens usually have a widescreen format with an aspect ration the same as a widescreen tv, or a 4:3 ratio like a traditional tv. Some digital photo frames have a 3:2 format as this is popular with camera manufacturers as it matches the ratio of a standard 4 x 6 inch photo.
CONTROLS
Look for user friendly controls. Some photo frames have touch control, Digital photo frame controls should be clearly marked and on the front of the frame rather than the back.
MEMORY
Digital photo frames with no internal memory rely upon the insertion of a memory card. There is a slot on the photo frame, and some even have more than one slot, for the insertion of your memory cards.
Most digital photo frames accept all the major types of memory card such as Compact Flash (CF), Memory Stick (MS), Secure Digital (SD), xD and MicroDrive (MD)
NB. Check that the digital photo frame you choose to buy is compatible with the type of card used by your camera.
A lot of digital photo frames have built in memory which means that you can load/copy photos straight from your computer or from your camera.
EXTRA FEATURES
Interchangeable Frames & Albums
Some digital photo frames have interchangeable frame inserts allowing you to blend in with your decor.
Now you can buy attractively bound portable albums which will also function like a photo frame once removed from its case.
Music
Background music can be loaded in the form of MP3 or WMA files and played through built in speakers so adding to the pleasure of viewing your favourite photos, videos and slideshows.
Remote control
Some digital photo frames just have a power button for on and off with all other functions accessed by the remote control but they can be very small and easy to mislay.
A photo frame with attached printer allows you to correct and then print your pictures in various formats eg. ID photos, layout prints, calendars, without having to use a pc. just slot in your camera's memory card .
WI-FI
Some digital photo frames can connect wirelessly to Wi-Fi networks and therefore stream images direct from the computer or send pictures to the photo frame via the internet or email.
Weather Stations
Digital photo frames with incorporating weather staions can display outdoor temperature and humidity,atmospheric pressure and tendency, 24 hour history, radio controlled clock with alarm and date and indication of the sun and moon postition and moon phases.