Cheap Digital Photo Frames

For all the features a cheap digital photo frame can offer, nothing is as important as how it displays the pictures. With this in mind, it is important to select the aspect ratio, resolution and screen size that best suits you and your budget.

Aspect ratio
When buying a digital photo frame (or a TV), one needs to understand aspect ratio. This is the ratio of the height of the screen to its width. To better understand this, think of a TV. The older TVs that are nearly square shaped usually have an aspect ratio of 4:3 while the wide screen TVs have a ratio of 16:9.

Digital photo frames generally are one of three aspect ratios: 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. However, 4:3 and 16:9 are the most common. Since most pictures are not widescreen and a widescreen will distort an image taken with a regular aspect ratio, the 4:3 is best for typical pictures. Check and see how the frame will handle pictures that are smaller or have a different aspect ratio.

Resolution
The resolution determines how much detail the screen will show the picture in. The resolution is measured by the number of points of light, called pixels, displayed in an area of a screen. Higher pixel numbers mean that the pictures will be displayed with better resolution. For example, if the digital photo frame has a resolution of 800x480 (384,000 pixels), it will have triple the resolution of a 480x234 (112,320 pixel) model screen.

When making a purchase, the desire for the best possible picture resolution needs to be balanced with the desire most have not to spend too much money and find the cheapest digital photo frames possible. One should also consider if the larger screen has scaled resolution. If it does not, then the smaller screen will have better resolution than the larger one since the larger screen will have its pixels spread over a greater area.

Screen size
Screen size is another factor that must be balanced with cost. While most like to see bigger pictures, larger screens cost more. Available sizes range from two-inch screens found on key chains to screens of 15 inches or more (the sizes have grown as the technology has improved).

To properly display the 4X6 sized images that are most popular in home photography, a screen size of 7 inches or more is recommended. Keep in mind that screen size is measured corner to corner, and 7 to 10 inch screens are the most popular.

Apart from cost, where the screen will go needs to be considered since a larger screen may not be practical. Also, keep in mind that a larger screen will consume more power and have higher energy costs.

Aspect ratio, resolution and screen size are all critical for the all-important picture display and not paying close attention to them could result in a digital photo frame that does not suit you.