UK Digital Cameras Blog

A new range of Kodak Easyshare digital photo frames have been praised in a new review.

Computer Active magazine states that the manufacturer’s latest ten-inch M1012 model boasts a range of features has good controls and is able to support a number of different file types.

It reports that the “colourful, vibrant display” of the M1012 highlights the need for such frames to have a decent resolution and notes that the model discussed offers a pixel count of 800 x 400.

“There’s 128MB of memory on board and if you want to add content you can either use one of the multi-format card slots, connect a USB memory key or connect the frame directly to a camera or PC,” the review adds.

It is not just the ten-inch model, however, that is currently on offer from the manufacturer.

The seven-inch Kodak Easyshare SV710 digital picture frame boasts a range of features and connectivity options for those considering a smaller panel.

When shopping for the right digital photo frame it is important to get a panel that has the right aspect ratio.

In an article published this week on katu. com, it is suggested that digital frames are becoming ever more popular - with an estimated 12 million units purchased in the US - and buying comes with some pitfalls.

It states that experts from Consumer Reports have offered there own hints and tips on purchasing digital frames and suggests buyers “think twice about widescreen frames”.

“The 16×9 widescreen format can either leave black borders around the perimeter of the screen or it cuts off the edges of your photo,” it adds.

With a range of models sporting extra features such as video and music playback and some even boasting iPod docks, the article notes that there is plenty of variety out there.

Consumer Reports recently reported on the Smartparts SP8PRT digital frame, but concluded that the panel’s built-in printer was not quite up-to-scratch.

As Father’s Day comes ever closer some people may find they are running out of time fast, but one site suggests digital photo frames are the ideal gift.

The Associated Press states in a recent article that for those looking to impress the dad of the house with a gift that can be used over and over again digital frames are an obvious choice, fox28. com reports.

There are a number of frames currently on the market, and the news agency points out that many of these may be “an idea for those looking for a gift for dads or [college graduates] who have a lot of great digital photos”.

“Instead of looking at those shots on a computer screen, you can see them on your wall or desk,” it adds.

A number of seven-inch panels from Kodak and Renoir are currently available online and for those looking for something in a larger size the ten-inch Aries frame and 12-inch Matisse black-finish model may be of interest.

As the popularity of digital photo frames grow, two big names have entered the fray, according to reports.

The MarketNewsGadgetTalk blog site notes that a new frame has been developed that will allow users to link images from Facebook via Wi-Fi.

The eStarling’s Wi-Fi enabled frame connects to the web and keeps updated with images that are posted on individuals profiles.

“Imagine setting a frame back home to display embarrassing photos of your spouse while you know he/she has friends over,” the blog notes.

Hexus Lifestyle also states this week that Disney is now producing digital photo frames that feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse surrounding a seven-inch 800 x 490 TFT LCD widescreen.

The panel has touch-sensitive buttons as well as a built-in calendar and various Disney wallpapers are also included as well as slideshow and automatic portrait/landscape features.

Disney also recently unveiled a range of mobile phones in a series of colours emblazoned with the famous mouse’s logo.

Digital photo frames a great for people “on-the-go”, a new article has suggested this week.

The I4U News website notes that a number of new digital photo frames that are both innovative and well designed are heading to the market - and represent one of a number of panels that are great for the modern home.

It is states that the convenience and portability of a digital photo frame makes it a great way of decorating the home and keeping up to speed with loved ones.

“Digital photo frames are a great way to view and share all the images we shoot with our digital cameras. Being able to take photos on-the-go with you is a nice way to keep your family and friends close on your travels,” the article states.

A new frame from cenOmax with a 3.5-inch screen, a 320 x 240 resolution and a contrast ratio is 400:1 is also praised for offering the opportunity for people to “look at the images-on the-go”.

With Father’s Day around the corner, a new article has suggested that a digital photo frame could be the ideal gift.

According to the Sun Journal, there are a number of gadgets currently available on the market that could satisfy the tech-savvy dad and digital photo frames could be one of these.

It was also noted that for proud parents looking to buy a gift for their recently graduated children, digital photo frames work as a potential gift that can be used to keep the proudest memories of college life on display.

“Of course, it goes without saying that dads like tech gifts, too. So whatever you select for your grad may also work for his big day,” the site suggests.

There are a wide selection of frames currently available from established manufacturers such as Kodak, whose series of EasyShare models come in seven, eight and ten-inch versions - with some coming equipped with Wi-Fi.

Digital photo frames will go from strength to strength in the future and will innovate in a number of areas, it has been suggested.

According to a spokesman for Samsung’s System LSI division, better resolutions that could rival high definition and more integrated services are just some of the changes that may be seen in the future of the sector.

Rich Yeh, director of marketing at System LSI, said that frames could also incorporate built-in graphics engines and that internet connectivity would be vital to the evolution of such frames, Electronics Design Strategy News reports.

“We believe that Wi-Fi will be a standard feature on these devices by 2011,” he told the news website.

Further to this, Stuart Miles reported in an article for pocket-lint. co. uk this year that sales of digital photo frames were growing, adding that the panels were becoming a “hot property”.