In this article, we will take a look at the comparison between Silhouette Cameo vs Cameo 2. It is common for manufacturers to update their products with new features. However, as the effect, the older models become more affordable. Find out whether Silhouette Cameo 2 is really better than the original below.
What we will discuss below include:
– The dimensions of each Silhouette Cameo model
– The control and display of each Silhouette Cameo model
– The connectivity options on each cutting machine
– The cutting features and capabilities of the two models
– The performance of Silhouette Cameo vs Cameo 2
– Which model that is generally more recommended
Design and Dimensions
First of all, let’s take a look at the dimensions of the two cutting machines. If we measure each unit’s width, depth, and height, we will find that Silhouette Cameo and Silhouette Cameo 2 do have identical dimensions. These cutting machines are pretty wide, so make sure that you have enough space on your desk. See also: Silhouette Cameo vs. Silhouette Potrait.
Nevertheless, such desktop-sized cutting machines are generally compact and lightweight. Silhouette Cameo and Silhouette Cameo 2 are not the smallest and lightest models, but they are still quite portable. So, it is still possible for you to bring either unit along when travelling.
The main differences are the color and the control panel. The original Silhouette Cameo has a white lid and gray body. The lower part is dark gray. Meanwhile, the new Silhouette Cameo 2 is entirely white. Both of the two models are attractive and good-looking in their own ways.
If you open their lids, you can see more differences. The original Silhouette Cameo has rubber rollers, whereas Silhouette Cameo 2 comes with steel spring rollers. In addition, the original Silhouette Cameo has gray guide marks that aren’t very visible, whereas Silhouette Cameo 2 comes with blue guide marks that are easy to spot.
Display
Of course, the most noticeable difference between Silhouette Cameo vs Cameo 2 is the control panel. The original model still uses a monochrome display screen and buttons for control. They serve the purpose well, but they don’t look as nice as Silhouette Cameo 2’s touchscreen.
Yes, Silhouette Cameo 2 features a full-color LCD touchscreen. It looks very cool. In addition, you can change the background color of the control panel. There are three colors to choose from, which are dark blue, light blue, and purple.
Unfortunately, the touchscreen is not very responsive. It responds somewhat slowly to the touch. Fortunately, the company has provided an update to improve the control panel, and apparently the update has improved the responsiveness a little.
Connectivity
The next big difference between Silhouette Cameo vs Cameo 2 is the connectivity. The original Silhouette Cameo comes with an SD card slot. You can save your designs from the computer on the SD card so that you can load them later by inserting the memory card directly into the machine without connecting to a computer. However, the original Silhouette Cameo does not have USB or Bluetooth.
The SD card slot has been omitted from Silhouette Cameo 2. The feature has been replaced with a USB port. The cool thing is that this model can load designs directly from a USB flash drive. Most people will value this capability because, nowadays, USB flash drives are more common and practical than SD cards.
Furthermore, Silhouette Cameo 2 seems to be compatible with more programs. It can work with Windows 10 computers. It can also connect with various laptops. So, Silhouette Cameo 2 can be more versatile in working with various platforms.
Features
The connection ports of each model are located on the left side of the machine. On the other side, you can find a compartment where you can store various items. You can put the spare cutting blades and the crosscutter blade here when not in use.
By the way, the original Silhouette Cameo is without a crosscutter. You can use other tools to cut excess paper or a roll of vinyl, but it won’t be as practical and smooth as using a crosscutter.
Silhouette Cameo 2 features a crosscutter on the back of the machine. The crosscutter is placed on a rail that allows you to make a smooth, straight cut. This is very useful for cutting excess paper and vinyl rolls. You can detach the crosscutter and store it in the compartment when you don’t need it.
Furthermore, the two models come with different cutting mats. The one that comes with the original Silhouette Cameo tends to leave an adhesive feel, which is a little annoying. Meanwhile, Silhouette Cameo 2’s cutting mat does not have such issue. Silhouette Cameo 2 comes with a metallic pen set, too, which is very nice.
Both models can cut a maximum size of 12 inches x 10 feet. So, you can easily handle large-sized designs. You can create and cut your own designs by using the Print And Cut function, but this feature has a smaller maximum size.
Performance
In terms of cutting power and accuracy, Silhouette Cameo and Silhouette Cameo 2 are similar. They both are powerful enough to cut through a variety of materials. They can cut all the common materials, such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric.
However, Silhouette Cameo requires you to make all adjustments manually. It is very important to use the right setting for the currently handled material, otherwise the results will be underwhelming.
Silhouette Cameo 2 is very convenient to use because it can make automatic adjustments according to the current material by using the AutoBlade feature. This means that you don’t need to make manual adjustments and there is less chance of you forgetting to do so. The results are guaranteed to be great.
Silhouette Cameo vs. Cameo 2
| Silhouette Cameo | Silhouette Cameo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key Features | - The silhouette cameo starter bundle includes an extra mat (2 total), cutting blade (2 total), metallic pen set and pick-me-up-tool - Includes access to thousands of downloadable designs | - The Silhouette CAMEO is an electronic cutting machine that can cut a variety of materials (from vinyl to fabric) up to 12 inches wide and 10 feet long |
| Price | ||
| Best Offer | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
Conclusion
Between these two models, Silhouette Cameo 2 is definitely more recommended. It comes with great improvements and features. The new design is nice and attractive with the touchscreen. It now has a USB port, and you can load designs directly from a flash drive. The crosscutter is handy for cutting paper and vinyl rolls. The performance is great, especially because it can adjust the setting according to the material.
