Everything You Need to Know About the Silhouette Cameo 3

Update: The new version of Cameo is out. Find out if information technology's the correct choice for you past checking out the Silhouette Cameo 4 review. The Cameo iii has been discontinued.

It's review time over again. And today I will put my magnifying glass on the Silhouette Cameo 3. Every bit you are accustomed, this is not the run-of-the-manufacturing plant type of review.

First, I volition show you the bird'southward eye view of this machine. In but a few seconds, you volition run across the capabilities of the Silhouette Cameo 3 machine.

This isn't a perfect machine, either. Information technology has flaws, and at the end, I will go in nifty details. Past knowing the flaws, you can practice an accurate assessment if this auto is the best choice for yous.

Also, in the end, I will do a quick comparison between silhouette cameo 2 vs. 3. Just in case you have already had the silhouette cameo 2 and because upgrading. Let'southward get to information technology.

What almost the hidden Easter egg game in the auto? Sadly it was just a clever prank. A crafter faked the LCD screen to show that he managed to unlock a hidden tic-tac-toe game. I didn't check the date. Maybe he released the finding on April Fools. Let'southward get to more serious manners.

Here's the rundown of the car.

Silhouette Cameo three New Features

Product	Silhouette Cameo
Size	22.v x 6 x eight.5 inches
Weight	13.95 pounds
Cutting Feature
Drawing Characteristic
Scan and Cut	PixScan Technology
Software	Silhouette Studio Software
Cutting strength	210g
Cut Size	12 inches x 10 feet
Auto Blade
Cantankerous Cutter
Dual Railroad vehicle
Max Material Thickness	2mm
Computer Connection Needed	Aye
Noise Level	Loud
Accessories Pricing	$$
Toll	Cheque Price

If yous already worked with or knew well-nigh the Silhouette Cameo two, then you accept probably spotted the differences.

The Look and Experience of Silhouette Cameo 3

What immediately grabbed my attention was the slick new design. It has much more curvature, and the lines aren't that direct. Plus the lid covers everything. This is great protection for the LCD screen.

Cameo 2 didn't have a protection screen, and some crafters learned a hard lesson from it.

I want to tell you 1 more affair about the slick design. The LCD blends so effortlessly into the machine; information technology has nigh Apple tree-like new features (about that is). Now if you compare it with the Brother Scan and Cut 2 purely on pattern perspective Cameo is the winner. The Brother machine'due south LCD sticks out like a sore thumb.

The Brother cut machine has some superior features, but aesthetically it's a looser from my point of view. They could've done a better job with that LCD screen.

Cameo 3 has lots of storage space. They went higher up and beyond with this. Besides the storage space, at that place are arrows which assistance y'all align your mat perfectly. All these minor upgrades help out a lot.

Past not wasting time on positioning your cut mat, you can accept on more projects, thus making more money.

Let'due south talk virtually size. Information technology's a practiced 2 inches longer than its little brother.  (Are you interested in how well it is compared to Silhouette Portrait?) And then before y'all buy, to make certain you accept enough infinite to utilise the machine. The weight isn't too big because it weighs nigh 14 pounds.

This has good and bad aspects likewise. If it weighs less, it might hateful that they accept used depression-quality parts. Luckily it'southward not the case.

If yous are doing a lot of selling on the road like in fairs and expos than prepare yourself to acquit this baby a lot.

Unboxing and first commencement:

Afterwards y'all have started up for the starting time time, yous probably need a firmware update. Merely before you get there, make sure that you increase the sleep time settings. You don't want it to shut itself down in the middle of a disquisitional procedure. After you have updated the firmware, you can change the sleep time to your liking.

There are tutorials to get you started. Yous can watch these on the LCD screen. Even though these tutorials help, somewhat, at that place'due south a steep learning bend to chief.

Another thing that surprised me was that in that location were no manuals in the box. Everything is online. Hmm, I wonder how many trees were saved with online only admission?

Permit'south see what the Cameo iii machine can do for yous shall we?

Information technology has two functions cut and drawing. Past using any ordinary pen, information technology can draw different patterns and use the fonts in the library. The cutting feature is versatile. Allegedly information technology can work with 100 different materials. I'm a bit skeptical because it has just 210g cutting ability, more on this later on.

The best materials to cut are paper and vinyl. Yep, I know that they advertise that it can practise fabrics and balsa wood, but for that, there are better machines like the Cricut Maker.

I'chiliad getting carried away, so I'm going back to the Silhouette Cameo 3 cutting machine Review.

Auto Bract

It has Auto-Bract. This is a nifty little gadget that takes out the guesswork from your project. You insert the blade in the holster, and it will automatically discover the material you are using, and information technology volition suit the cutting depth accordingly.

The Cameo Machine-Bract eliminates human error and saves fourth dimension besides.

How does it work? It'southward simple information technology taps the corner of the automobile and figures out the proper cut depth. The software sets the bract settings automatically hence the name.

Hot Tip: Make sure after inserting the Auto-Bract that you lot secure it in the holster. If not, you could get a incorrect read. Thus it might damage your mat and outset over with the project.

Additional Blades to Use with Cameo

Besides the Auto-Blade Cameo, three has other ones to choose from. Here'due south the list of blades:

• Standard
• Fabric
• Deep cut
• Premium

The standard blade is the near used of them all. Yous volition exist using it if you want to cutting vinyl or newspaper. Information technology's fabricated out of a durable fabric called Carbide. It's sharp and durable perfect for the job. Don't forget that you lot have to manually adapt these blades.

The Fabric blade is just like any cutting blade. The only departure is the housing, which is blue. Here's the truth. If you are cutting a lot of paper, the blade will get wearisome faster. This is why the fabric bract was created, and so you have a precipitous blade when you are working with fabric. Call back to adjust the blade properly.

Since the paper tends deadening blades, y'all should be prepared to modify this one frequently.

Deep cut blade as the proper name suggests is for deeper cuts. It'southward perfect for cream and some more resistant materials. It can cutting 2mm thick.

The premium blade is 3x longer than the other ones. It's super strong so that it will last longer. This means you don't have to buy that often. Plus yous don't have to modify your bract in the middle of the projection because it stays sharper for a longer menstruation.

Pixscan Engineering and How to Use Information technology?

The Silhouette Cameo 3 machine has a scan and cut feature. This means you lot can photo your design / handmade pattern. Upload information technology to Silhouette Studio Software. And so y'all can cut the required pattern. It's uncomplicated, and it'due south elegant.

You tin can use this technology if yous have paw-fatigued designs (custom designs), fabric patterns to personalize, create your stamp patterns, and magazine cutouts.

With Cameo three, you lot are turning an analog prototype/pattern into a digital i. This is saved on your reckoner and in the future information technology can be used whenever it's needed. Are you a fan of custom designs? then look no more because Cameo iii can assist y'all digitize information technology then replicate it with ease.

Cutting Force

The Silhouette Cameo 3 has the cutting force of 210g. For me, this was a disappointment. The company didn't better on it. Information technology'southward the same as Cameo 2 and almost other machines in this category. With 210g you can't practise much. Already there are contenders who take accomplished 11x power and only cost a chip more than the Cameo. Hopefully, in the next release, they will boost the cutting power likewise.

Cutting Dimensions

Permit's talk about cutting size. This is where the Cameo 3 shines. The size is huge. You accept two mats to choose from 12 x 12 inch and 12 by 24 inch. Too this, if you have a whorl feeder organisation, then it can cut up to ten anxiety. That'south pretty big. I mean 12 inch past ten feet that leaves you with a serious commission once the task is done.

One of the crafters has reported that he didn't manage to utilize the whole 12-inch width. For him, the blade didn't cutting deep enough on the far side. It'due south practiced to keep this in mind. For him, the biggest cutting size he managed to achieve was 8 inches.

Cross Cutter is again a smashing little feature that helps you finish your projects strong. This blade makes a clean cut along the width of your mat. Information technology'south faster and cleaner than whatsoever scissor you can use. Somehow information technology comes natural, but many other machines don't have it. In one case y'all get used to it, it's hard to alive without it.

Dual Carriage

Practice you believe in dear at first sight? I exercise, and information technology happened when I learned about the Dual Carriage feature. This means that y'all can do 2 tasks at one time. Let it be 2 drawings or 2 cutting, or mixed. The Cameo iii can do it.

All you lot have to is add the two blades/pens into the holsters setup the machine and hit start. This saves you time considering y'all don't have to babysit the automobile and set up the 2nd chore up. Plus you don't have to tinker with the Silhouette Studio software this eliminates human error.

While the machine is doing two tasks at once, I can do another chores around the business firm.

One of the main differences between cameo 2 and iii is increased material acme. Now with Cameo iii, you can piece of work with materials that are 2mm thick. This is a great comeback since the last generation.

Wireless connectivity working or not so much?

Cameo 3 needs a abiding computer connexion. This ways next to the Cameo; you need some other device equally well to piece of work on events. Consider this as well before you lot attend a fair. There are multiple connectedness options between the two devices. There's the usual string method via USB. And you can use cordlessly via Bluetooth engineering.

Most of us hate cords with a passion. They always get tangled, and God forbid if information technology gets stuck into something, then the machine could easily fall to the basis. At present there were numerous crafters lament that they didn't manage to setup the Bluetooth connection.

This is a existent bummer because it'due south one of the major selling points of the Silhouette Cameo three.

Noise Levels Tested

Let's take a look at the noise level. There's no way to sugarcoat it; information technology's loud. You won't be able to work during the evenings unless you are out in the shed or garage. Sadly this has become a characteristic for the Silhouette family. All of their devices are loud. If you don't believe me check out YouTube. Though many crafters cutting the sound out, so they don't annoy the viewers, hopefully, past the side by side launch, they will do some progress in this section as well.

There'due south the initial investment in the machine but how much practice the accessories price. The best way to narrate it by maxim it's fair. The Cricut Maker is cheaper, and the Brother Scan and Cut is expensive. Scratch that Brother is doing daylight robbery in the accessories department.

The materials have an boilerplate life bridge, and the prices are in the ok range.

Last simply not least nosotros are going to cover the speed of the Cameo 3. Sadly e'er since Cricut Maker came out, all the cutting machines on the market wait like as if it would exist standing nonetheless. It has a 2x speed feature which leaves the competition in the dust.

Don't get me wrong it'due south not slow or anything. Information technology'due south simply average. With higher speeds, you could do more projects, thus making more money.

What are the shortcomings of Silhouette Cameo 3?

You were probably have been waiting for this now, what'due south wrong with the Cameo auto?

First of all, it's non user-friendly. There is a steep learning curve, even though the machine itself has congenital-in tutorials.

Then at that place's the Bluetooth connectivity issue. It supposed to be its master selling point, and many crafters reported that they simply couldn't fix the connectedness. They were left with the USB connexion.

Another crafter said that you couldn't use the total 12-inch width. Because at the far side of the car, the blade doesn't go deep enough.

There are certain materials which are a challenge to cut. For example, if y'all want to cut acetate, you need to go through it twice. This means you lot are wasting fourth dimension.

If you want to cut Shrinky dink forget about it, not fifty-fifty 4 passes volition cut the material. And it's so easy to fix it, just have more cut power.

They bolster in their marketing message that it can work with 100+ materials. Hmm, I'm curious how did they count them all up? Similar this: white paper, dark-green newspaper, xanthous paper, 50 shades of gray that's 53 already. Information technology'southward clear that the Cameo works best with paper and vinyl. The rest of the materials are difficult to work with. You need a lot of patients, and they practice a lot of trial and errors.

Or yous tin purchase the convenient add on which is Silhouette Curio. (If you want to compare Silhouette Curio with Silhouette Cameo 3 check information technology out). Or maybe you lot're open up for other brands then you check out the comparison with the Cricut Explore Air 2.

The last negative about the Silhouette Cameo is that it'south noisy. This limits you lot when yous tin exercise projects if you don't have proper sound insulation.

That'southward it the dirty laundry is out there. This is why I like to tell you how it is so you don't accept surprises after you have invested your hard earned greenbacks in a machine. You have probably read a bunch of reviews, but how many of them talked near these issues like the Bluetooth connectivity and the automobile being loud?

Some call it the ultimate DIY car. Well, this might've been true when the Cameo three was released. Since so many new machines came on the market place which stole the crown.

This concludes my Silhouette Cameo Review. Below I will talk about some of the reoccurring questions and what's the difference betwixt cameo two vs. iii. My Silhouette Cameo iii Review wouldn't exist complete without comparing it with an earlier model.

Cameo Silhouette two vs 3

	Silhouette Cameo 3	Silhouette Cameo 2
PixScan Applied science	Yes	Yeah
Cutting force	210g	210g
Cutting Size	12 inches x 10 anxiety	12 10 12 inches
Motorcar Blade	Yeah	No
Cross Cutter	Yes	No
Dual Carriage	Yes	No
Max Cloth Thickness	2mm	0.8mm
Computer Connection Needed	Yes	No
Racket Level	Loud	Loud

The Cameo 3 made it in my best of the best article. Cheque it out at Best die cut automobile post.

What'south in the Silhouette Cameo Starter parcel?

It'south a monster package it contains one Calendar month Gratuitous subscription to Silhouette Design Shop. (In the Silhouette Blueprint Store you go admission to over 100,000 designs)

• 24 Silhouette Sketch Pens
• 24 Sheets
• Motorcar Bract
• 12 10 12-inch cut mat
• Vinyl Trimmer, ratchet aligning tool, Scraper, Hook, or Spatula tool.
• The ultimate Silhouette beginner guide to Vinyl – By Silhouette School.
• 100 exclusive Silhouette designs.
• Power and USB cords.
• Silhouette beginner grade.
• Silhouette Cameo 3

Final Thoughts

How did you similar this Silhouette Cameo three Review? Go out feedback beneath? If you are interested in more machine reviews browse through my site, there's plenty to read.

If you love to craft you're going to love Auntie Tay. She comes upwards with a bunch of wild video ideas.

Frequent questions from our readers (FAQ):

Does the Silhouette Cameo 3 cut leather?

In theory and in their ads yes. In practise you need to do a lot of trial and error to get it right. The automobile'due south cutting power is simply 210g so if you are interesting in leather than yous should cull a more than powerful machine.

Can Silhouette Cameo Cut cream sheets?

Yes it can cut foam sheets with ease.

Do you need a calculator to use a silhouette cameo?

Yes you need a figurer because the but vinyl cutter that's stand lone is the Brother's Browse and Cutting.

Is the Silhouette Cameo 3 compatible with Mac?

The Silhouette Cameo iii is compatible with Mac (OS X 10.7 and higher).

How thick tin can a Silhouette Cameo cut?

The thickest fabric that Silhouette Cameo tin can cutting is 1.2mm.

What is the best silhouette machine to buy?

This actually depends on what you're using the machine for. If you lot are working mainly with soft things than the Cameo volition be perfect. Only if you desire to do embossing and etching than you will demand the Curio.

Does Silhouette Cameo 3 require Internet?

Not necessarily. You merely need internet to update the software and to get new designs. Other than that you lot can communicate with the machine either by USB-cable or Bluetooth.

How thick can silhouette cameo cut?

If you're using the Deep Cut bract, you tin can cutting as deeps as 2mm. Just this depends on the fabric you are using.

What's the newest Silhouette Cameo?

At the moment, Cameo iii is the latest 1. Cameo four volition be released in September of 2019.

What'south the Silhouette Cameo iii release date?

The Silhouette Cameo iii was released in August 2016.

Another comparing article: silhouette cameo vs curio.

Tin can silhouette cameo cut balsa forest?

According to marketing, it can cut balsa woods. Information technology's not as like shooting fish in a barrel as it sounds, but it can be done.

Using Silhouette Cameo for Scrapbooking?

Aye, it'due south an excellent tool for Scrapbooking. Pixscan engineering helps with scanning and cutting. Plus the blades work faster than whatever pair of scissors you lot can wield.

What tin yous practice with a Silhouette Cameo 3?

Anything related to paper vinyl information technology can be done. Glass carving? Sure. You lot tin also exercise decals. Yous tin can customize shirts and bags. You tin can create vinyl for cars and computers. And all this related to paper and vinyl. It is advertised that it can cut thicker materials but I wouldn't bet on it.

How to utilize the Silhouette Cameo 3?

First of all, you demand to pick the fabric y'all want to piece of work with. And then find the ingredients. Follow the tutorials. If you are stuck, enquire around on the forum.
All in all, it'south a cheap car, and it does what is advertised to do well almost. If you want to cut newspaper and vinyl and practise information technology reliably, this is the perfect motorcar for yous. It's excellent for small things upward to eight inches. If you're in the Event planning or Décor business organisation, this is a handy tool to take. It speeds up and complements your skills.

Silhouette Portrait is cheaper will it sufficient?

It really depends on your needs. 1 thing yous need to know that information technology's much more basic than the Cameo 3. Plus it has a difficult time with thicker materials.

Is Cricut Explore Air a knock off?

I accept not used the Cricut Explore Air machines considering I got the Maker first. From the looks of it it's non a knock off.

Silhouette Cameo three Cutting forcefulness is enough?

Well information technology really depends on what you are using it for. If you prefer to work with paper and vinyl mostly it will exist sufficient.

What are Registration Marks for the Silhouette Machine?

These are simple shapes om the side of the paper that help the automobile know where is the origin signal. Past knowing the registration marks information technology tin can make accurate cuts.

Where can I get support?

Silhouette America has an first-class support organization. Or you can always try blogs and YouTube. For specific questions in listen I would become with Silhouette America.

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