Should I Upgrade To A Cameo 4?

With the launch of the brand new Silhouette Cameo 4, comes a very common and reasonable question for current Silhouette users: Should I get rid of my Cameo 3 and buy the new Cameo 4? There’s no one right answer for everyone, so we’re going to briefly go over the differences between the two machines and then offer our suggestions.

What’s New On The Cameo 4?

• It’s faster - up to 3 times faster than the Cameo 3!
• Built-in roll feeder accommodates 9in - 12in rolls of media.
• Built-in cross cutter makes precisely trimming media rolls an absolute breeze.
• Max clearance for materials increased to 3mm.
• Upgraded Auto-Blade resets to 1 in a single click.
• Dual Carriage now comes with Smart Tool Technology.
•  Includes adapters so you can still use tools & blades from previous versions.
• Up to 5,000g (5kg) of downforce on Tool 2 slot.
• New Blades & Tools with Smart Tool Technology! Rotary Blade (cotton, felt, applique, etc), Kraft Blade (balsa wood, leather, etc), and Punch Tool (marks which pieces are to be weeded out) are amazing and will be available soon.
• Sliding lid gives machine a sleeker look; doesn’t look awkward when left open like on Cameo 3.
• Upgraded roller can now be adjusted and moved easily with one hand.
• USB port removed (no more cutting directly from a thumb drive)
• No longer able to use “Repeat Job” function directly on cutter.
• Color touch screen replaced with backlit touch panel. All controls & settings are now adjusted in Silhouette Studio.

What's The Same

• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Print & Cut Capability
• PixScan Compatible
• Silhouette Studio Software (V4.3 Required for Cameo 4)
• Comes with 100 Free Designs & Free 1 month Design Store Subscription
• Power Supply & USB Cable
• Free LIFETIME Technical Support when you purchase from HeatPressNation.com

There is also something very important to mention: the Cameo 4 isn’t the only new cutter Silhouette is releasing. In early 2020, Silhouette America will be releasing the Cameo Plus and Cameo Pro. These cutters are going to be 15” and 20” wide, respectively. The Cameo Pro will come with additional features, while the Cameo Plus is expected to be a larger version of the Cameo 4. So with all of this awesome information, let’s go back to our original question: “Should I get rid of my Cameo 3 and buy a new Cameo 4?”

Here are some reasons why you SHOULD upgrade:

You need a little more speed out of your cutter.

Time is money. Not everything should be cut at max speed. But if you’re doing lots of HTV, decal vinyl, or similar materials, the increased speed will be a huge help.

You are switching between blades frequently

The Smart Tool Technology automatically detects which blade is loaded in the Cameo 4 and updates in Silhouette Studio in real time. There’s no worry about forgetting to change your settings to the right blade or tool.

You need better performance on thick materials

The new Rotary Blade and Kraft Blade paired with up to 5,000g of force AND up to 2mm cut thickness/3mm max clearance make the Cameo 4 a serious force to be reckoned with!

You prefer to cut rolls of media directly.

The built-in roll feeder and cross cutter were added specifically for creators like you! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to use these new tools, as well as how easy they make loading/trimming your rolls of media.

You like the latest and greatest.

Honey, there’s no shame in the game. Let he/she who has never upgraded their functional older-model iPhone for the new one cast the first stone.

Here are some reasons why you SHOULDN'T upgrade:

You want more maximum cutting width.

No worries. The Cameo Plus and Cameo Pro are on the way! These models will offer 15” and 20” max widths, respectively, and will be available in the first quarter of 2020. Hang in there!

You are really attached to the “Repeat Job” function on the machine.

Yes, we get it. It’s fun to push buttons and it really was a time-saver (of about 18 seconds on each job). Enjoy yourself.

You load jobs directly from a USB drive

We were bummed to see this feature go. Those who are used to cutting directly from a computer will not notice this at all. However, for folks who are used to cutting in the field or who have their Cameo setup away from their computer, this could be a deal-breaker.

You’re content with your Cameo 3 and would rather invest your money into a new heat press or sublimation printer.

That’s not a bad idea at all! If that’s you, give us a call at (800) 215-0894 and talk to us about what kind of projects you’re interested in creating. You can also email us at support@heatpressnation.com. One of our helpful Heat Press Pro’s will be happy to make a recommendation based on your needs and budget.