Is Kodak's budget 8-inch photo frame a bargain?

The Kodak EasyShare M820 can be had for less than $100.

(Credit: Kodak)

Kodak offers a number of digital photo frames, including models that feature built-in wireless connectivity and even cutting edge OLED display technology. However, its 8-inch EasyShare M820, available for less than $100, is an attractive option for consumers hoping to balance affordability with some advanced features in a reasonably sized frame.

Some digital photo frames have real wood or metal finishes, but this is strictly a plastic affair. With its simple, slim black border, the frame looks elegant enough from afar and comes with two stick-on decorative mattes (one is red, the other silver) that allow you to customize the frame's look. The kickstand on the back swivels, giving you the option of locking the frame into horizontal or vertical orientation. On the back of the frame there are keyhole slots for mounting the frame to a wall with screws, along with a threaded tripod mount if you want to prop it up with a tripod.

In terms of features, the M820 is a step up from the basic package found in the entry-level P820 and P720--but you don't get the wireless connectivity found in Kodak's W-series photo frames, which include the W820 and W1020. The main upgrade here over the P series is support for video and MP3 playback (you can play music in the background of slideshows) and some built-in memory. There are two small speakers built into the back of the frame.

Read the full review to get all the details.

Compare to competing frames that cost under $150.

[carguy622]

The only problem I have with the cheaper Kodak frame here is the widescreen ratio. That does not work well with most photos. They get cropped or stretched.

[7aji88]

For some reason, I still find digital photo frames to be useless. Just place a photo that actually "means" something to you instead. Sometimes technology can be soulless and cold.

[carguy622]

I find digital frames extremely useful. I have over 6,000 digital photos in my library going back to the year 2003. As much as I'd love to print out all the photos I really like (let's be generous and say I can whittle the list down to 100) there is just not enough room in my condo for all that, plus that would be a lot of frames to dust. So I've got about 1,500 photos on my digital frame and 20 of my very favorite ones printed and framed.

Plus I have a digital frame on my desk at work... it's great for that as well.

[elias715]

i have the M820 and it won't read my avi or mpeg file. i call them up and they said they are working on it and they telling it reads only kodak compression process, & the person that im talking said he email the compression that i need to used.. who needs that..im going to return this frame.. and again KODAK look around, there are better frame & a lot less that works.. i would like to patronized your product, but i can't.