Digital Picture Frames: Reviews

Updated November 2010

For showing off your favorite snapshots, digital photo frames can be a good choice, reviews say. The latest reviews we looked at revealed that wireless frames, which can grab photos without using a memory card or USB key, are now easier to use and more reliable. And they're not too pricey either, with top rated models priced at under $150. Reviews warn against gimmicky features, such as 3D, though.

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Best large photo frame

Sony DPF-X1000B 10.2-inch Digital Photo Frame

*Est. $300 Learn More

Reviewers say the excellent image quality, elegant design and user-friendly interface justify the price for this 10-inch digital photo frame. It is equipped with Sony's TruBlack technology, which highlights contrasts and… expandreduces reflection. The result, experts say, are images that pop. The DPF-X1000B has 2 GB of built-in memory and an HDMI port for connecting the frame to a HDTV (for an even larger display). The main complaints about the frame are related to features that it lacks, such as music and video playback and Wi-Fi. Experts and users generally say the photo frame's excellent image quality more than makes up for any missing features. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DigitalPictureFrameReview.com: Anonymous reviewer "Thomas S." gives a thorough review of the Sony DPF-V1000, which is identical to the DPF-X1000B except the X1000B has 2 GB of built-in memory and the V1000 has 1 GB. The review includes several photos and screen shots, and editors award the DPF-V1000 the site's Editor's Choice award.

Pocket-lint.com: Stuart Miles at Pocket-lint.com, a U.K.-based product-review site, names the Sony DPF-X1000 (an earlier version of DPF-X1000B) a Pocket-lint Hot Product, rating it 9 out of 10.

Amazon.com: More than a dozen customers write reviews about the DPF X1000 and the DPF V1000 with the overwhelming majority giving the frames very high ratings.

Best wireless photo frame

Kodak Pulse Digital Frame 7 inch

*Est. $130 Compare Prices

The Kodak Pulse's dedicated email address is definitely one of its standout features; with this feature, you'll be able to email photos to the frame once it's set up on your home wireless network. The frame also rates… expandhighly for picture quality and ease of use. The Wi-Fi-enabled frame can stream photos from Facebook and the Kodak Gallery photo-sharing site. Frame contents and slideshow settings can be managed from anywhere using the Kodak Pulse website. The 7-inch LCD touch screen displays photos in a 4:3 format (the default ratio for most point-and-shoot cameras). The Kodak Pulse has 512 MB of built-in memory and is compatible with most memory-card formats. The most common shortcomings mentioned by reviewers are that the Pulse doesn't support video and that it's not compatible with more photo-sharing sites. A 10-inch version (*Est. $200) is also available. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

PCMag.com: Reviewer PJ Jacobowitz compares the Pulse to the HP DreamScreen 100 and the Toshiba MF82XKU 8-inch Digital Media Frame, a former Editor's Choice.

Bright Hub.com: BrightHub.com reviewer Kristina Daguia gives the Kodak Pulse top marks across the board for design, performance, user interface and features.

About.com: About.com guide Kyle Schurman gives a concise review of the Kodak Pulse, a frame that makes him rethink his previously negative stance on digital photo frames.

USA Today Magazine: This short but informative review compares the Kodak Pulse to the Pandigital Photo Mail Digital Photo Frame.

Amazon.com: More than 70 users comment on the Kodak Pulse, giving the frame an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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Buy from Amazon for $147.95
Shoplet.com for $133.93	Walmart for $183.00

Budget digital photo frame

Pandigital PAN7000DW 7-inch Digital Photo Frame

*Est. $80 Compare Prices

Reviewers agree that the Pandigital PAN7000DW digital photo frame is a very good value, though it's light on features. The 7-inch frame has a bright, 800-by-600-pixel resolution display. Its 1 GB of internal memory should… expandhold up to 6,400 compressed images (according to Pandigital), but some users report problems after only a few hundred images are loaded on the frame. A wireless adapter can be purchased separately for the Pandigital PAN7000DW to add Wi-Fi functionality. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org examines 31 6- to 10-inch digital photo frames with prices ranging from $60 to $300, including the Pandigital PAN7000DW. Five frames are recommended.

Amazon.com: About 100 customers weigh in on their experiences with the Pandigital PAN7000DW, giving it an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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Buy from Amazon for $59.95
eBay for $74.95	B&H Photo Video Pro Audio for $59.95	Beach Camera.com for $74.95

Ipevo Kaleido R7 *Est. $150

4 picks including: PC World, CrunchGear.com…