|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Dec 29, 2023 8:27:06 GMT
I've really outgrown my original Portrait and after 10 years of use, I feel like I've gotten my money's worth on it to the point where I don't feel bad about retiring it. I'd really like to get a Cameo 5 with the electrostatic mat but I'm not seeing much from ordinary users. Just demo videos on Youtube and things from pros. I'd love to know how the new machine is compared to the Cameo 4 and if it seems to be working well. I haven't had the best experiences with Silhouette tech support or customer service in the past so I'm a little gun shy on buying the latest machine when it is still so new.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449 
|
Post by scrapnnana on Dec 29, 2023 23:55:54 GMT
The electrostatic mat is mainly for delicate materials that can be damaged by the regular mats. It’s not for general use. And it’s an extra $99, which seems a bit steep, at least for me. I rarely need to cut “.delicate” materials.
I looked at the specs for both the Cameo 4 and 5. I decided to get the Cameo 4. It had a better price point, and it’s been around long enough for any bugs to be worked out. I’m happy with it. It required no calibrating to do print & cut, unlike my older Cameo. I haven’t had time to play with it much, but no complaints so far.
I don’t think many here have the Cameo 5, which is why there isn’t much talk about it here yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Dec 30, 2023 1:10:32 GMT
I saw the Cameo 4 on Amazon for $199 and it's really tempting. I just want that stupid electrostatic mat. I like to use delicate materials and I hate my paper always curling when I remove it from a sticky mat. The idea of using the power tools in the blade carriage is really intriguing too.
|
|
scrappymeg
Full Member
Posts: 317
Sept 18, 2020 22:59:35 GMT
|
Post by scrappymeg on Dec 30, 2023 3:06:57 GMT
I saw the Cameo 4 on Amazon for $199 and it's really tempting. I just want that stupid electrostatic mat. I like to use delicate materials and I hate my paper always curling when I remove it from a sticky mat. The idea of using the power tools in the blade carriage is really intriguing too. Not to enable, but the Cameo 5 is also supposed to be faster and a lot quieter than previous machines, and from what I could tell from the videos on YouTube, it does seem quieter. They also brought back the repeat job button that was missing on the 4 (though not everybody missed this feature, so your mileage may vary). If you didn't care about the ES mat and the power tools, I would say save the money and get the 4, which is great. But, since you are interested in those functions, they seem worth the upgrade to me. I already have a 4 which works just fine, so I got the Curio 2 (do I have room for it....we'll see lol). I am really excited to try the electrostatic mat and the power tools. |
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Dec 30, 2023 3:41:00 GMT
I saw the Cameo 4 on Amazon for $199 and it's really tempting. I just want that stupid electrostatic mat. I like to use delicate materials and I hate my paper always curling when I remove it from a sticky mat. The idea of using the power tools in the blade carriage is really intriguing too. Not to enable, but the Cameo 5 is also supposed to be faster and a lot quieter than previous machines, and from what I could tell from the videos on YouTube, it does seem quieter. They also brought back the repeat job button that was missing on the 4 (though not everybody missed this feature, so your mileage may vary). If you didn't care about the ES mat and the power tools, I would say save the money and get the 4, which is great. But, since you are interested in those functions, they seem worth the upgrade to me. I already have a 4 which works just fine, so I got the Curio 2 (do I have room for it....we'll see lol). I am really excited to try the electrostatic mat and the power tools. I think, after being limited by my Portrait for so long, that I just want to try ALL the gadgets.  I have used the repeat job function on a Cameo 3 and enjoyed that so I'm glad it's present on the 5, I hadn't realized it had been removed from the 4. And quieter is great although not a huge concern for me. Mainly I want to be able to cut small, intricate designs. My portrait just can't handle tiny cuts. |
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
|
Post by scrapnnana on Dec 30, 2023 15:56:36 GMT
The Cameo 4 is definitely faster and quieter than my Cameo 3. It is also supposed to use the various tools (roller blade, knife, etc.). I haven't gotten the extra tools yet, so I haven’t tried them.
However, if you do a lot of delicate materials, then you probably need the Cameo 5 and the Electrostatic mat. Let us know how you like it!
|
|
Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
|
Post by Ryann on Dec 30, 2023 17:28:44 GMT
What is considered "delicate materials"?
|
|
scrappymeg
Full Member
Posts: 317
Sept 18, 2020 22:59:35 GMT
|
Post by scrappymeg on Dec 30, 2023 19:41:24 GMT
The Silhouette product expert/influencer I follow on Facebook has cut adhesive vinyl (I'm assuming HTV would also work), copy paper, vellum, 65 lb. cardstock, 110 lb. cardstock, copy paper and sticker paper on the Electrostatic mat. The material has to be smooth though in order to hold the charge, so textured cardstock and material won't work.
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Dec 31, 2023 7:04:55 GMT
I saw someone on FB that cut faux leather with the ES mat and said it worked flawlessly and I did not expect that.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Dec 31, 2023 15:55:01 GMT
The electrostatic mat is mainly for delicate materials that can be damaged by the regular mats. It’s not for general use. And it’s an extra $99, which seems a bit steep, at least for me. I rarely need to cut “.delicate” materials. I looked at the specs for both the Cameo 4 and 5. I decided to get the Cameo 4. It had a better price point, and it’s been around long enough for any bugs to be worked out. I’m happy with it. It required no calibrating to do print & cut, unlike my older Cameo. I haven’t had time to play with it much, but no complaints so far. I don’t think many here have the Cameo 5, which is why there isn’t much talk about it here yet. Keep us posted. I am thinking of getting one. My Silhouette is almost 13 years old and still fine, but you know. Perhaps a review when you get to know it better? Thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Jan 10, 2024 2:46:08 GMT
Well in an unexpected turn of events, I am the proud new owner of a Cameo 5 & ES mat! It works perfectly right out of the box. The Silhouette product expert/influencer I follow on Facebook has cut adhesive vinyl (I'm assuming HTV would also work), copy paper, vellum, 65 lb. cardstock, 110 lb. cardstock, copy paper and sticker paper on the Electrostatic mat. The material has to be smooth though in order to hold the charge, so textured cardstock and material won't work. So far I have done heavy smooth cardstock and heavy textured cardstock on the ES mat. Both worked great! They are heavier than 110 lb although since they are just old scraps from my stash I wouldn't be able to say what lb they are. The electrostatic mat is mainly for delicate materials that can be damaged by the regular mats. It’s not for general use. And it’s an extra $99, which seems a bit steep, at least for me. I rarely need to cut “.delicate” materials. I looked at the specs for both the Cameo 4 and 5. I decided to get the Cameo 4. It had a better price point, and it’s been around long enough for any bugs to be worked out. I’m happy with it. It required no calibrating to do print & cut, unlike my older Cameo. I haven’t had time to play with it much, but no complaints so far. I don’t think many here have the Cameo 5, which is why there isn’t much talk about it here yet. Keep us posted. I am thinking of getting one. My Silhouette is almost 13 years old and still fine, but you know. Perhaps a review when you get to know it better? Thanks! So far, so good ladies! My only grip is the autoblade. I just don't feel they work very well and prefer to adjust my blades manually but this one is quite a bit better than the one on the Cameo 3 I have used. |
|
|
|
Post by karinec on Jan 15, 2024 17:25:59 GMT
@chaosisapony I'm so glad you posted this! I have a 10 year old Cameo and used it a lot this past month and saw the electrostatic mat and got all googly-eyed.
I don't "need" a new one, but dang, I really want it. I was considering a Portrait 4 as they do have the electrostatic mat for that as well. Was the size the reason you felt limited by the Portrait?
I have an email into CS regarding the electrostatic mat and their new heat tool, and if they are compatible. Will let everyone know their reply!
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jan 16, 2024 13:14:59 GMT
chaosisapony , I wasn’t thrilled with the autoblade at first, but after getting used to it, I prefer it. It can be adjusted easily in the cut settings for each project, rather than manually. I have learned which materials seem to need to be bumped up a bit, but if unsure, I do a test cut. My HTV doesn’t usually need adjusting, but I always have to increase the setting for cutting my card stock by 1 or 2.
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Jan 17, 2024 3:58:55 GMT
@chaosisapony I'm so glad you posted this! I have a 10 year old Cameo and used it a lot this past month and saw the electrostatic mat and got all googly-eyed. I don't "need" a new one, but dang, I really want it. I was considering a Portrait 4 as they do have the electrostatic mat for that as well. Was the size the reason you felt limited by the Portrait? I have an email into CS regarding the electrostatic mat and their new heat tool, and if they are compatible. Will let everyone know their reply! Yes, the size was a lot of what limited me with the Portrait. I often want to do 9 or 10 inch designs, I don't often need the full 12 inches, but with having the 8 inch limitation on my Portrait I found myself often not being able to do what I wanted. The other issue I had which might be better in the newer Portraits was that mine just couldn't cut fine lines very well. I have access to a Cameo 3 and that can cut the tiniest little details without a problem and my Portrait just seemed to mash them all up when the lines were small. Good question about the ES mat and heat tool together. I hadn't thought of that. Hopefully they'll reply soon, I'll be interested to know the answer! |
|
|
|
Post by karinec on Jan 17, 2024 18:16:44 GMT
Yes, the size was a lot of what limited me with the Portrait. I often want to do 9 or 10 inch designs, I don't often need the full 12 inches, but with having the 8 inch limitation on my Portrait I found myself often not being able to do what I wanted. The other issue I had which might be better in the newer Portraits was that mine just couldn't cut fine lines very well. I have access to a Cameo 3 and that can cut the tiniest little details without a problem and my Portrait just seemed to mash them all up when the lines were small. Good question about the ES mat and heat tool together. I hadn't thought of that. Hopefully they'll reply soon, I'll be interested to know the answer! Thank you for your reply - I didn't know about the Portrait problem with fine lines. My clunky old Cameo does remarkably well with them. I have never been interested in the Portrait because of the size, and thinking back, I have done larger designs so I think I should stick with the Cameo. I'm disappointed that I haven't received a response from CS regarding the ES mat & heat pen. I also reached out a couple of times on Instagram. Their CS used to be so good! I have watched a few YT videos and one of them used the heat pen with the Curio, and the gal mentioned you don't want to use the pen with the ES mat. I also saw another video where they didn't use a mat at all! I was pleasantly surprised by how much quicker foiling was than foiling with the WRMK tool, which can take a really long time on larger projects - we're talking 45 minutes here. I'm not sure if the speed is due to the pen or the Cameo. If I do receive a response, I'll post! In the meantime, I'll be rationalizing a reason to purchase the whole enchilada... |
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Jan 18, 2024 3:35:25 GMT
karinec I wish I could say I'm surprised by my experience with Silhouette customer service and tech support has never been very good. 
|
|
|
|
Post by karinec on Jan 18, 2024 5:58:46 GMT
karinec I wish I could say I'm surprised by my experience with Silhouette customer service and tech support has never been very good. Of course they tagged me on Instagram after I posted…to say yes, the two are compatible. I’m sorry you have had bad customer service…it’s terrible when we pay so much $$$ for something and then not get backup. |
|
|
|
Post by lilacgal on Jan 21, 2024 13:01:55 GMT
@chaosisapony, what’s the noise level like on the Cameo 5? Is it as noisy as earlier machines?
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Jan 24, 2024 5:46:18 GMT
@chaosisapony, what’s the noise level like on the Cameo 5? Is it as noisy as earlier machines? The only other Cameo I have used is a 3 and I feel like it's about the same noise level. From what I understand the Cameo 4 was much louder but I have never personally used a 4. It is quieter than my Portrait. |
|
|
|
Post by janamke on Jan 24, 2024 17:52:24 GMT
I just upgraded from the original Cameo (bought in 2013) to the Cameo 4. I only use it for paper, vinyl and fabric, the 5 seemed overkill. The 4 is definitely faster than my old machine. Not quieter. And the autoblade feature is worth it's weight in gold. I'm very happy with it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Texas Scrap on Nov 12, 2024 14:15:41 GMT
Well in an unexpected turn of events, I am the proud new owner of a Cameo 5 & ES mat! It works perfectly right out of the box. So far, so good ladies! My only grip is the autoblade. I just don't feel they work very well and prefer to adjust my blades manually but this one is quite a bit better than the one on the Cameo 3 I have used. Checking back in @chaosisapony on how you like your Cameo 5 & ES mat. I am thinking about pulling the trigger bc Woot has it on sale for $200 but would love your input as someone who bought the 5 this year. TIA! |
|
|
|
Post by chaosisapony on Nov 12, 2024 16:20:37 GMT
Well in an unexpected turn of events, I am the proud new owner of a Cameo 5 & ES mat! It works perfectly right out of the box. So far, so good ladies! My only grip is the autoblade. I just don't feel they work very well and prefer to adjust my blades manually but this one is quite a bit better than the one on the Cameo 3 I have used. Checking back in @chaosisapony on how you like your Cameo 5 & ES mat. I am thinking about pulling the trigger bc Woot has it on sale for $200 but would love your input as someone who bought the 5 this year. TIA! I love it! I use the machine all the time, I rarely need to use the ES mat and I find storing the ES mat to be a pain. I need to spend some more time figuring it out though because I think I have my rollers in the wrong spot which is causing uneven cutting when using the ES mat. Overall I have been super happy with my purchase. |
|
|
|
Post by karinec on Nov 12, 2024 18:34:53 GMT
I really like my Cameo 5. I use my ES mat for cutting cardstock. I agree that storing the mat is a pain, but I found a great storage solution that works in my small space. It has room for my Cameo, ES mat and Minc (tucked behind my Cameo). I have my paper cutter on top with my die cutter. I didn't tilt the shelves like in the photo. Craft Cart |
|
gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,114
Location: Sacramento, Ca
|
Post by gramma on Nov 12, 2024 18:42:34 GMT
|
|
gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,114
Location: Sacramento, Ca
|
Post by gramma on Nov 12, 2024 18:50:27 GMT
I've used Silhouette products for years. Recently stepped up to the 5. For me it's been a nightmare. I've had an ongoing problem with it not pulling the mat through properly. All attempts at googling to solve the issue have failed. Contacting Silhouette support was an exercise in futility. I tried to find information on how to send it in for repair. Phhtt, No. I live in a large city that has Michaels, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's. I spent a day going from one to other after deciding I'd just buy a new one. Crazy I know. Of the three on them only one had one single Silhouette machine but boatloads of Cricuts. I am now a Cricut user again.
|
|
gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,114
Location: Sacramento, Ca
|
Post by gramma on Nov 12, 2024 23:45:44 GMT
@chaosisapony, what’s the noise level like on the Cameo 5? Is it as noisy as earlier machines? I'll say that I've had a bad time with the 5 - it is really quiet. |
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
|
Post by scrapnnana on Nov 13, 2024 3:47:39 GMT
I've used Silhouette products for years. Recently stepped up to the 5. For me it's been a nightmare. I've had an ongoing problem with it not pulling the mat through properly. All attempts at googling to solve the issue have failed. Contacting Silhouette support was an exercise in futility. I tried to find information on how to send it in for repair. Phhtt, No. I live in a large city that has Michaels, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's. I spent a day going from one to other after deciding I'd just buy a new one. Crazy I know. Of the three on them only one had one single Silhouette machine but boatloads of Cricuts. I am now a Cricut user again. I’m sorry you had such a frustrating experience with your Cameo 5 and never got any customer service help. When I upgraded my Cameo 3, I looked at the 4 vs. the 5, and felt that I’d never use the extra bells and whistles, so I went with the 4 and have loved it. After reading about your nightmare with the Cameo 5, I’m extremely grateful that I chose the Cameo 4, which has been a fabulous machine for me. Of course, they are probably going to phase it out, if they haven’t already. Unfortunately, the more bells and whistles there are, the more likely it is that something can go wrong. I used to have good experiences with Silhouette customer service, but now they are either not responsive or just give you an email reply that is a quote from their website, even if you message them that you tried the website recommended solutions first. After the server change, things went downhill even more, for a long time. They are finally getting the website working better, but it has taken nearly 6 months. I love my Silhouette Cameo 4, but their lack of decent customer service has alienated a lot of customers. |
|
I have used the repeat job function on a Cameo 3 and enjoyed that so I'm glad it's present on the 5, I hadn't realized it had been removed from the 4. And quieter is great although not a huge concern for me. Mainly I want to be able to cut small, intricate designs. My portrait just can't handle tiny cuts.
