So many pictures yet so few frames and even less space are the problems you face when trying to decide which memory you took is the one you want to be reminded of daily.
There’s an easy solution – get a digital picture frame, a small LCD monitor that creates an electronic photo album you and yours can enjoy effortlessly. Just slide your camera’s SD card into the slot, and, one by one, the images pop up, giving delight to the senses.
Hold on. Wait. That is so old school. In today’s digital world, a lot has changed since digital picture frames came out in the 1990s. As smartphones and tablets have evolved, so have their cameras, rivaling traditional photography methods. And they are easier to use. You lift your smartphone, point, shoot and share in the blink of an eye.
So now you’ve captured every moment of your summer vacation on your smartphone and decided to have a barbecue to show them off. You could connect your device to your smart tv, but you don’t want barbecue sauce on that new couch. What’s the best way? Get a digital picture frame with a WI-FI connection that not only can receive and share photos from any mobile device, but the latest ones on the market can also connect to cloud storage where those digital memories can keep on coming.
Buying Guide
The idea was simple. Build a digital picture frame that could give you an instant slide show by inserting your camera’s SD card into the slot on the side of the frame then turning it on. Today’s digital picture frames offer much more. Using cloud storage, you can connect with others who have a digital picture frame and instantly share your photos with them. It’s perfect for family members with elderly parents. Just set up a digital picture frame in their home, and you can instantly share your pictures with them from anywhere in the world that automatically pop up on their screen.
You are also able to share selected images posted on your favorite social media site. Some digital picture frames even allow you to share the frame’s content with other digital devices (smartphones/ tablets) belonging to those you want to share with. They can join in by downloading the frame’s app and then enter a unique code, giving them access to your photo feed.
Other standard features found in today’s digital frames include the ability to display videos and make voice and video calls. Additional features allow you to check email, monitor information like the weather, play games, or even watch television on displays, all in HD quality.
Features To Look For
Size
Digital picture frames can be as small as 3×5 inches (7.62 cm x 12.7 c.m.) up to 15 inches (38.1 cm).
Memory
Today’s digital picture frames come with as much as 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded to 32GB with the aid of an extended SD card or USB drive. That means you can store thousands of photos on this one device.
Screen Resolution
You want your photos to look good in the digital picture frame you choose. So, when selecting one, make sure that for, say, smaller frames, the resolution needs to be 480 x 720 while larger frames should have 1024 x 768 or above.
Ease of Use
You want something easy to use. So make sure to choose one with an easy-to-use interface.
Extra Features
Digital picture frames on the market today offer a wide array of features. One important feature to look for is a motion sensor that automatically shuts down your device when you are away. Some include clocks and calendars, while others allow you to make voice or video calls, play games, or even watch television.
FAQ
Can I store my smartphone pictures on a digital picture frame with WI-FI?
Yes. Digital picture frames can store up to 16GB or 32 with an extended SD card or USB drive.
How long do digital photo frames last?
Currently, digital photo frames last for 1,000 hours before damaging the LCD screen. Devices that include motion sensors reduce the wear and tear on a device as they automatically shut it down when no one is around.
How do I change the pictures on my digital picture frame?
It’s easy. Just connect your device to your computer, open the removable disk icon representing your frame, open the DCIM folder, which takes you to the album folder where you copy and paste or delete photos.
How much does it cost?
You can get a quality digital picture frame for between $100 to $300. Of course, there are more expensive versions that start from $400 and up.
Conclusion
Yes, it’s another device that needs another outlet to plug into and another device to share your WI-FI. But if you are all about family and friends, what better way to stay close than to share your memories with them? The market offers a variety of devices with a myriad of features to fit your needs or the needs of your family members and friends living far away.