Introducing the all-new Cameo 4

Without a doubt, the biggest news in the Silhouette world this week was the release of the Cameo 4! I’ve been excited about the Cameo 4 ever since I saw the prototype in May at Silhouette Summit, so I was pretty thrilled to be invited to the official launch party. It was so much fun to celebrate along with some of my favorite people in the Silhouette world and see the final version in action.

We even got to tour Silhouette headquarters which, for me, was more exciting than a trip to Disneyworld!!!

Group of people in front of Silhouette sign — Left to right: Spencer Livingston, VP National Sales – Silhouette America, Sarah Cannon, Sales Promotion Manager – Silhouette America, Libby Ashcraft – Libby’s Loft, Barbara Foster – Let’s Go Silhouetting, Terri Johnson – Terri Johnson Creates, Elly Habets – Silhouette Secrets+, Julie Huggins – Sew Craft n’Spired, me!, Mandy Graham – Sparkleberry Ink, Sierra Dungan, Web Sales Assistant / Graphic Designer – Silhouette America

Display of all generations of Silhouette cutting machines — An evolution of Silhouette models through the years

If you’re thinking about buying one for yourself but wonder what the Cameo 4 has to offer, read on as I share some of my favorite new features with you.

Features of the Cameo 4

Stack of Cameo 3 machines for Launch Party giveaway

Increased speed. The Cameo 4 cuts 3x faster than the Cameo 3, with speeds of up to 30mm/sec, making it the fastest cutting machine on the craft market. It also has increased acceleration speed, meaning that the machine starts faster, moves around corners and curves faster, and moves more quickly between multiple shapes included in one cut file/design.

One-tap Autoblade adjustment. While I don’t mind what I call the “Autoblade Dance”, some users find the tap-tap-tapping extremely annoying. With the new Cameo 4 Autoblade, the blade adjusts to zero with only one tap, then taps as it moves to the proper setting. Much less clicking involved!

Automatic tool detection. Special sensors within both blade housings can detect which blade/tool is in the machine and prompt you if the blade does not match the software settings.

Tool adapters. Allow you to use blades and tools designed for older models of the Cameo in the Cameo 4. This includes the ratchet/fabric blade, sketch pens, Premium blade, and Deep Cut blade. The original Autoblade cannot be used in the Cameo 4.

Matless cutting. Some materials (Including cardstock) can be cut with no backing at all. The blade travels along a very small channel in the bed of the machine, protecting the Cameo 4 from damage. To keep the cut pieces from coming loose in the machine before a job is finished, certain areas are cut with less force, creating a punch-out design with tiny little connectors. Once the job is complete, the design can be easily removed by hand.

Built-in roll feeder. I love to use my roll feeder when cutting long pieces of vinyl, but that means I have to get it out of the drawer and attach it to my machine before I can load the media. Maybe I’m lazy, but sometimes I just don’t want to take the extra step. With the Cameo 4, the roll feeder (which accommodates both 9-inch and 12-inch rolls) is built right into the machine. Simply slide it out, load the media, make your cut, then slide it back in when finished.

Silhouette Cameo 4 with display of built-in roll feeder

Increased cutting length. Previous models could cut a maximum length of 10 feet, but now that has been increased to somewhere between 14-16 feet (and may be increased even further in future software updates).

Improved cross-cutter. The cross-cutter is now also built into the machine – no separate tool needed (or to lose!). There is also a bar that locks the vinyl in place while you slide the cross-cutter, resulting in a straighter, more even cut.

Increased cutting force. The Cameo 4 can cut with up to 5000 grams of force, compared to 210 grams of force for the Cameo 3. This means that the Cameo 4 can cut thicker, denser materials with ease.

Increased clearance. The amount of clearance under the roller bar has been increased to 3mm, however the maximum cutting depth remains at 2mm (using the Deep Cut blade).

New tools. The Rotary Blade and Kraft Blade, combined with the Cameo 4’s dual motor system, offer even more cutting options. Using these blades, the Cameo 4 will not only cut thicker materials such as suede and craft foam (and even balsa wood!) but thinner materials can be cut without stabilization. When cutting vinyl, the Punch Tool will add small marks next to the cut lines, making it easier to see which areas should be weeded away and which need be kept.

Scrapbox display with all Silhouette materials

But wait, there’s more…

In addition to the features listed above, the Cameo 4 also has:

LED backlit touch panel
Improved pinch roller adjustment
Retractable lid
Bluetooth connectivity

Silhouette craft projects displayed on an open shelving unit

Where to Purchase

Limited quantities of the Cameo 4 are now available for pre-order and are expected to ship in late September or early October.

Purchase directly from Silhouette America with free shipping when you use my promo code CAUGHT.

Pre-order a Cameo 4 from Silhouette America

Promo for Cameo 4 pre-order with code CAUGHT

If you’re looking for bundle deals, you can find them at these online retailers:

Click here to shop Swing Design

Click here to shop Heat Press Nation

In the market for a bigger machine? The Cameo Plus (15-inch cutting width) is expected to release in January 2020 with a MSRP of $399.99 and the Cameo Pro (20-inch cutting width) will release in March 2020 with a MSRP of $499.99. Be sure to subscribe to my blog or follow me on Facebook for all the latest updates.

I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my own Cameo 4 and look forward to sharing more with you once I’ve had the chance to start using it myself. Any suggestions on projects you’d like to see or the features you’d like for me to test first? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Until next time,

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Lycia Evanoff

Lycia is a lifelong crafter whose goal is to help others find value, confidence, and joy in whatever they create. She geeks out on using technology to supercharge craft projects with Silhouette Studio, Design Space, Glowforge, sublimation, etc.! Lycia teaches these skills and more through online tutorials and videos as well as in-person classes at both the local and national levels.