Silhouette SD vs Cameo

[Heatherbee]

Ok so I've been looking to get a Silhouette for several years. When I had finally stopped waffling and decided to take the plunge, I found out the Cameo was about to be released so I decided to wait some more.

Now I'm waffling again... there is a (slightly) used SD on Craigslist. I'd like the idea of a newer model but I have to wonder if it's really worth it. It costs like $375 here plus tax, shipping and duty on top of that will push it well over $400. Does the Cameo actually *cut better* than the SD? Because I can deal with it being noisier, not cutting 12" paper, etc. if its ability to cut is essentially the same, and uses the same blades and replacement parts (is that right?)

thanks for any insights!
-Heather

[Iriseyes]

Heather, I just ordered my Cameo from Oh My Crafts. The sale price was $269.99 USD, with a vinyl sampler pack. There was a coupon for 20% off, so all together it cost me just $265.23 CAD. It's being shipped on the 16th by USPostal Service, slower but cheaper than UPS. I Can't wait!!!

[3 Little Love Bugs]

Hi Heather, I had the SD but sold it for the Cameo. I didn't find the Cameo to cut better than the SD, both the Cameo and SD cut beautifully for me. Also, my Cameo is not that much quieter than the SD was.

One main difference is the blade holder...the ratchet blade means you can cut thicker card stock/items. I've noticed the need to do double passes has been cut down quite a bit with the ratchet blade. However, I'm pretty sure you could still get the SD and replace the blade holder with the ratchet blade holder.

I have some things I've cut using the Cameo on my blog, but these are cuts I was able to get with the SD too. You could get the SD (esp if you can get it at a good price) and always upgrade if you decided you wanted/needed the Cameo. So far, the SD has held a good resale value.

Hope this helps!

[3 Little Love Bugs]

btw...your avatar is adorable!!!

[sodell]

I am so lucky to have found a thread talking about the SD & Cameo (I am assuming the Cameo is the latest version or an upgrade of the Silhouette?).
I have wanted to invest in a really good die cutting machine, that will last me a long time. I had the original Cricut,which at the time I hardly used, as the carts were not all that suited to cardmaking. SO I sold it 2 years ago.

I feel so ignorant about what all the machines can do and can't do; I think I want something I can hook to my computer---I see all kinds of really cool things that can be cut out in SVG files--anyone know what type of machines can cut these type of files? Also, when you purchase digital scrapbooking kits, don't the embellishments come in a format that can be cut out? What kind of machine can do that?

At first I was leaning toward Cricut Expressions 2, been around a long time, can work as stand alone, supplies are available locally, carts are availabe a variety of places are discount prices I hear, but then I see all these other machines Silhouette, Pazzles, Ecraft, but I am not sure about the ease of use and what is available in terms of designs to download, as compared to hundreds of cartidges? I also am limited as I only have 1 USB port available on my computer, and I see that some machines use 2. Does the Silhouette use 1 or 2 ports? How about the Cricut Expressions?

I don't know if anyone has time to address my long list of questions that have probably been asked many times before, but that would be so appreciated!! You know how it is when you are contemplating a major purchase like this!
Thank you kindly and Happy New Year,
Stacy

[jaxmom08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodell

I am so lucky to have found a thread talking about the SD & Cameo (I am assuming the Cameo is the latest version or an upgrade of the Silhouette?).
I have wanted to invest in a really good die cutting machine, that will last me a long time. I had the original Cricut,which at the time I hardly used, as the carts were not all that suited to cardmaking. SO I sold it 2 years ago.

I feel so ignorant about what all the machines can do and can't do; I think I want something I can hook to my computer---I see all kinds of really cool things that can be cut out in SVG files--anyone know what type of machines can cut these type of files? Also, when you purchase digital scrapbooking kits, don't the embellishments come in a format that can be cut out? What kind of machine can do that?

At first I was leaning toward Cricut Expressions 2, been around a long time, can work as stand alone, supplies are available locally, carts are availabe a variety of places are discount prices I hear, but then I see all these other machines Silhouette, Pazzles, Ecraft, but I am not sure about the ease of use and what is available in terms of designs to download, as compared to hundreds of cartidges? I also am limited as I only have 1 USB port available on my computer, and I see that some machines use 2. Does the Silhouette use 1 or 2 ports? How about the Cricut Expressions?

I don't know if anyone has time to address my long list of questions that have probably been asked many times before, but that would be so appreciated!! You know how it is when you are contemplating a major purchase like this!
Thank you kindly and Happy New Year,
Stacy

I feel bad that no one answered your questions on here. I don't know enough about my Cameo to answer your questions in detail, but since I got my Cameo I've been going to the Silouette Plus chat forum and have had all of my questions answered there. There are some really knowledgeable people on there that know the Silhouette systems inside and out!!!! Good luck! I know the Silhouette does cut SVG after you upgrade to the Designer edition.

[princessmom1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodell

anyone know what type of machines can cut these type of files?

Check the list of supported machines for SCAL and Make the Cut

Quote:

Also, when you purchase digital scrapbooking kits, don't the embellishments come in a format that can be cut out? What kind of machine can do that?

You can always use the software to trace around an image to make a cut file.

Quote:

I am not sure about the ease of use and what is available in terms of designs to download, as compared to hundreds of cartidges?

There are numerous vendors of designs to download. SVG Cuts, SVG Attic, Mygrafico, Scrappy Dew, Lettering Delights, and many more. Plus all the free files you can find people sharing on the discussion forums for the various cutters and software. There is an overwhelming amount of content available.

Quote:

Does the Silhouette use 1 or 2 ports? How about the Cricut Expressions?

Both use only one port. Be advised, with the Cricut you can ONLY use Cricut products. You cannot use downloaded files of any kind. You MUST buy all your cutting files from Cricut.

For ease of use, I would recommend the Cameo or the Sizzix eclips. The Cameo comes with software that connects to an online store with lots of things to easily download. However, you have to upgrade the software or buy third-party software to use SVGs.

The eclips uses cartridges - very easy to use, nicely coordinated sets of cuts, and has software available that can cut SVGs.

[bbgirl66]

subbing..

[ktbutler]

I just the Cameo a couple of weeks ago and I could hardly love anything more. So many capabilities!!!

[Iriseyes]

Got a notice that my Cameo is now at the Post Office - guess I'll be a happy lady tomorrow night! Can't wait!

[CakeJunkie]

Sorry I don't know anything about the Cameo...but if you are just looking for a cutting machine I have a brand new Klic N Kut ZING for sale.
Either way I hope you are able to get what you've been looking for.

[jogrybali]

A little while sone one asked for the weight and diminsions. Here they are.




Width: 21 inches
Height: 5 � inches (allow 9 � for open lid)
Depth: 6 � inches (allow 14 inch clearance in front and back to accommodate material feed-through)
Weight: 5 1/2 lbs

The actual shipping box is 24x11x11 and weighs 12 lbs.

[Heatherbee]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. A couple of days after posting I decided to get the Cameo, one day later it was at my door. I think I made the right decision! It was of course pricier than a used SD, but I think in the long run it will be worth it. Supplies and support will be easier to come by, plus it's just super cool! I've had it for about two weeks now and I've been cutting nearly every day. It's just so much fun. Anything I can imagine, I can cut. When I show people what I made they can't believe it.

[princessmom1]

Congratulations. My Cameo arrived a couple days ago. I'm very pleased with the print & cut capabilities. I'm going to start filling the house with paper toys.

If you're looking for a forum with extensive information on the Cameo, check out Silhouette Plus.

[mastamper]

Glad you are happy with your choice! Just an FYI for anybody else looking for information that it is pretty easy to expand the number of USB ports on your pc. You can buy a usb hub for as cheap as $6 at any electronics or office supply store. Any of the big box stores might have one as well by the computer stuff.

[kristyhardy]

I find that Silouette Customer Support to be the best!!! I definately recommend the Silouette cameo!!

[Milkmaid]

Just so I'm clear....the cameo is the upgrade of the SD? Is this correct? Or at the very least, if not an upgrade then the next model?

[Milkmaid]

Sorry...and another qu.

How long do cutter blades and the sticky mat last for? I've heard varying timeframes, and I realise that it would depend on use, but ballpark.....??

[Heatherbee]

Yes, the Cameo is the next model up from the SD.

I've had mine since January and I've just changed blades for the first time, and still using the same mat. The mat gets all cut up, but it doesn't affect its performance. It's actually pretty easy to extend the life of the mat-- I've cleaned it a few times using masking tape wrapped around my hand to take off bits of paper and dust, I've washed it with soap and water in the sink and let it air dry, and I've made it sticky again with a can of repositionable spray glue.

Hope this is useful info!

[Weirdo]

I currently own a Silhouette SD, and I do like it. However, I am interested in the Cameo because of the size difference. Does anyone know: can I use all the images currently in my library, purchased for my SD, with the new Cameo? Will I lose anything in my library when I load the new software for the Cameo? Will I dump the SD software before loading the Cameo?

[HeatherHolbrook]

You'll still use Silhouette Studio software with the Cameo, so you won't loose any images. I went from the SD to the Portrait (same as Cameo but smaller) and didn't loose a thing.

[Dragonwold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatherHolbrook

You'll still use Silhouette Studio software with the Cameo, so you won't loose any images. I went from the SD to the Portrait (same as Cameo but smaller) and didn't loose a thing.

interesting, why did you choose the Portrait over the Cameo? Curious as the Portrait is the same size as the the SD. What can it do that your SD can't?
I have an SD at the moment, I haven't explored it enough to justify buying another. I sadly bought mine just a month before they announced the Cameo.