Which Raspberry Pi model should you get for your digital photo frame?

The Raspberry Pi organization has just launched its latest flagship model, the Raspberry Pi Model 5.

Buying a Raspberry Pi model in recent years, both during and following the COVID pandemic, has proven challenging. The scarcity of essential components significantly inflated the prices of used boards, often doubling or even exceeding their original cost.

I often get asked which Raspberry model is most suitable for a digital photo frame. The answer is straightforward if you know what kind of frame you want. I will start with the latest model and then work my way backward.

The recommendation is based on the Pi3D PictureFrame software, which is the best image playback software for a photo frame.

Raspberry Pi 5

You will want to get this model if you plan to use video with your digital picture frame. At this point, Pi3D Picture Frame cannot play back videos, but Paddy, the key developer of Pi3D, is already testing what is possible.

You don’t need the Pi 5 if you plan to show photos only.

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Use this model if you want to attach a 4k display and only play back photos. If you only want to attach a 1080p HD monitor, the Pi 3 is powerful enough. The Raspberry Pi 4 4GB has the best price/value ratio and is great for a digital picture frame.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

Use this model if your maximum display resolution is 1080p, and you only display photos, not videos.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2W

Use this model if you are making a small photo frame, do not have a lot of space, and use a simple image viewer like feh, not a Pi3D Picture Frame.

Other hardware considerations

Pi3D Picture Frame is quite modest when it comes to memory requirements. But if your configuration and model allow it, I would pick a 4 GB memory model.

It doesn’t matter whether you use a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network for WiFi, as the former is plenty for this use case.

In any case, ensure your power supply is sufficient for your respective model.

Last but not least, get a Flirc case: It will ensure that your Raspberry Pi is kept cool and that you don’t need a fan. This is especially relevant when you pick a Pi 4 or 5 because they get quite a bit warmer than the Model 3. I have yet to see a better case than the Flirc, and they are not expensive.

Get a 32 or 64-GB card to keep wear low for the SD card.

Conclusion

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose a Raspberry Pi model for your specific digital picture frame project.

Now, all you need is to get going!

Thank you for your support and motivation.