Kodak EasyShare SV710 review

Kodak seems to have forgotten that a digital photo frame, as well as displaying pictures, has to look good. The screen of this 7in model - and all the other Kodak frames on test, for that matter - is swamped by a bland black plastic frame that not only looks cheap but also attracts fingerprints.

And on this frame, picture quality is distinctly average, too. When confronted with simple images such as portraits, the EasyShare SV710 performs well, but when presented with more detailed snaps the frame's shortcomings are quickly exposed: the resolution, a low 480 x 234, means detail is lost to pixellation and blur. Slideshow transitions aren't smooth at all, either, and images chug jerkily in and out of the frame.

This model is a versatile one, though, and comes with MP3 and video playback, as well as a card reader that accepts SD, MMC, MS, xD, CF and MD memory. Standard USB and mini-USB sockets are welcome inclusions, too - all too often the frames we've looked at here have plumped for one or the other. There's a remote control, which is useful, as is the wall mount, but the controls on the frame itself - especially the volume scroller - feel flimsy.

Unfortunately, the Kodak EasyShare SV710's comprehensive features - its MP3, video support, remote control and dual USB ports - aren't enough to make up for its lacklustre image quality and charmless styling. Even if you're on a budget it isn't worth scrimping: instead, we'd advise you spend a few pounds more and go for the higher-resolution SV811 instead.

Author: Mike Jennings