Updated: 23 Oct 2009

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Introduction

We tested 7 digital photo frames from the lower end of the market to see what you can get without spending a fortune.

A digital photo frame consists of a small monitor that displays photos, endlessly cycling through as many as you care to load on to it.

We assessed their picture quality, ease of use and energy consumption, and look at the features available.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following digital photo frames:

Checklist

If you're thinking about buying a digital photo frame, here's what to consider:

Will you use it?

Ask yourself: will you really use it? If you only want to show specific photos (like your holiday snaps) a couple of times, it may be easier to show them on a computer or TV screen. But if you’d like a constantly rotating set of photos on display in your house, then the models in our test are at least a cheap way of doing that.

Features

SD memory cards
Most (if not all) digital frames accept standard SD memory cards, which are commonly used in cameras and other portable devices. If you already use an SD card in your camera, you can simply plug it into a digital photo frame and it’ll cycle through your photos.

The number of photos that can be displayed depends on the size of your memory card. A 2GB card, for example, would be able to hold at least 400 images.

User interface
Most digital photo frames have user interfaces that let you adjust the settings. If you can, choose a model that comes with a remote control – it’s easier than reaching behind the unit to operate the onboard buttons.

Cords
Not many models are battery operated. So they have to be connected to a mains socket. Running a cable down from a shelf can be quite annoying – make sure you have a spot that will hide the wiring.

Resolution
The frames we tested had a resolution of only 480 x 234 pixels, limiting their picture quality. Screens with a higher resolution mean your photos can be displayed in much more detail - but they also cost a lot more.

Extra functions
Some digital photo frames can also play video and music files. They may also have calendars, alarms or internet functions.