Silhouette Cameo 5 Review: What’s New and Is It a Game Changer?

The highly anticipated Silhouette Cameo 5 is here, and the craft world is buzzing. But does it live up to the hype? In our official Silhouette Cameo 5 review, we break down the new features, performance upgrades, and whether this machine is a true game-changer that can challenge the competition.

What’s New with the Silhouette Cameo 5?

Silhouette has focused on refinement, precision, and expanding creative possibilities with this new model. The changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but they add up to a significantly improved user experience.

Key New Features:

• Updated Carriage and Power Tools: The Cameo 5 introduces new “Power Tools” that can be used in the second carriage, opening the door for new techniques like heat foiling and embossing (tools sold separately).
• Quieter Operation: One of the most welcome changes is that the Cameo 5 operates much more quietly than its predecessor, making late-night crafting sessions more peaceful.
• Improved Registration Mark Reading: The sensor for Print & Cut has been enhanced, leading to more reliable and accurate cuts on your custom sticker and decal projects.
• Built-in Roll Feeder & Crosscutter: While present on the Cameo 4, these features have been refined for smoother operation when working with long rolls of vinyl or HTV.

Silhouette Studio: The Designer’s Choice

A major reason crafters choose Silhouette is the powerful Silhouette Studio software. Unlike its main competitor, the basic version of Silhouette Studio is robust, fully functional offline, and gives designers immense control over their projects without needing a subscription. This remains a key selling point for the Cameo 5.

For a detailed software comparison, see our Design Space vs. Silhouette Studio showdown.

Who Should Buy the Silhouette Cameo 5?

The Cameo 5 is best suited for:

• The Tech-Savvy Crafter: If you love having granular control over settings and designing from scratch, Silhouette Studio is for you.
• Small Business Owners: The robust software and reliable cutting make it a great choice for producing products for sale.
• Existing Silhouette Users: If you’re upgrading from a Cameo 3 or older, the new features and quieter operation will be a significant improvement.

Final Verdict: A Refined and Powerful Contender

The Silhouette Cameo 5 is a formidable cutting machine that builds successfully on the legacy of its predecessors. While not a radical overhaul, the new tool capabilities, quieter motor, and refined features make it a strong contender for the best cutting machine on the market, especially for users who prioritize design freedom.

Is it a game-changer? For those looking to explore new techniques like heat foiling (see our guide to advanced cutting techniques), yes. For everyone else, it’s a welcome and powerful evolution of a beloved machine.

Ready to upgrade your craft room? Shop the new Silhouette Cameo 5 at Maker’s Supply and grab all the essential accessories to get started.