Cameo 4 vs Cameo 4 Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Cameo 4 Plus & Cameo 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Cameo 4 Plus  rather than the Cameo 4. 

Why Do I Recommend The Cameo 4 Plus

  • The Cameo 4 Plus features a 15-inch cutting width for producing larger vinyl decals, posters, and heat-transfer projects in one pass, while the Cameo 4 supports only up to a 12-inch cutting width.
  • Cameo 4 Plus comes with a 15×15-inch cutting mat for handling wider material sheets efficiently, whereas the Cameo 4 includes a smaller 12×12-inch mat.
  • It includes an extended roller bar adjustment to support 15-inch media rolls for better stability during wide-format cuts, while the Cameo 4 has roller spacing restricted to 12-inch media.
  • The Cameo 4 Plus has a broader built-in roll feeder to handle 15-inch rolls for seamless long cuts, whereas the Cameo 4’s feeder fits only up to 12-inch rolls.
  • Cameo 4 Plus features a wider integrated crosscutter for trimming full 15-inch materials cleanly after long cuts, while the Cameo 4’s crosscutter accommodates only 12-inch material width.
  • It has an 25.5 inches expanded chassis width to ensure proper media alignment and feed for large sheets, whereas the Cameo 4’s 22.4-inch body restricts working width.
  • The Cameo 4 Plus comes with wider pinch-roller positions to improve tracking accuracy when cutting larger rolls, while the Cameo 4 uses narrower roller spacing.
  • Cameo 4 Plus supports additional software presets for 13-inch and 15-inch widths to streamline design scaling for large-format output, whereas the Cameo 4 includes presets only up to 12-inch width.

Maybe the Cameo 4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Cameo 4 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureCameo 4 PlusCameo 4
Max cutting width (mat)~14.6 in cuttable on 15×15 mat~11.7 in cuttable on 12×12 mat
Max media width (rollers)Up to 15 inUp to 12 in
Included mat size15 × 15 in12 × 12 in
Built-in roll feeder supportUp to 15-in rollsUp to 12-in rolls
Crosscutter width~15 in path~12 in path
Pinch-roller spacing rangePositions up to 15 inPositions up to 12 in
Preset roller width optionsLetter/12/13/15 inLetter/12 in
Max matless cut width~14.6 in~11.7 in
Max on-mat cut area (W×L)~14.6 × 15 in~11.7 × 12 in
Machine width~25.5 in~22.4 in
Machine weight~5.4 kg~4.7 kg
Desk footprint (WxD)Wider chassis, same depthNarrower chassis, same depth
Front/back clearance needMore space for wide mediaLess space for narrow media
Mat alignment guides15-in track width12-in track width
Feeder roller spanWider roller spanStandard roller span
Typical price (relative)HigherLower
Compatible mat family15-in mats12-in mats
Shipping carton width (relative)LargerSmaller
Media width presets in softwareAdds 15-in presetsUp to 12-in presets
Ideal use case (width)Wider designs in one passStandard-width designs
PriceCheck Cameo 4 Plus PriceCheck Cameo 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Cutting Force: Both the Cameo 4 Plus and Cameo 4 provide up to 5 kg of cutting force, allowing them to cut thicker and denser materials like leather, chipboard, and craft foam with precision. This strength gives users professional-grade cutting capabilities for a wide range of projects.
  • Max Material Thickness: Each model can handle materials up to 3 mm thick, ensuring compatibility with a variety of crafting and DIY materials. This similarity is ideal for users who work with layered designs or tougher materials such as felt or balsa wood.
  • Dual Carriage System: Both feature a dual carriage setup that allows users to use two tools at once — for instance, cutting and sketching simultaneously. This saves time and improves workflow efficiency for more complex projects.
  • Automatic Tool Detection: Each machine automatically recognizes the inserted tool, adjusting settings in the Silhouette Studio software accordingly. This automation prevents manual setup errors and simplifies operation for beginners and professionals alike.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models include built-in Bluetooth, enabling wireless communication with computers or tablets. This makes placement more flexible, as users don’t need to keep the cutter right beside their workstation.
  • USB Connection: Each machine includes a USB port for direct wired connection to a computer, ensuring stable data transfer during long or detailed cuts. This option is useful when working with high-resolution or complex vector files.
  • Built-in Roll Feeder: The Cameo 4 and 4 Plus both have integrated roll feeders for handling long rolls of vinyl or heat-transfer materials. This makes them excellent choices for sign-making or apparel applications.
  • Built-in Crosscutter: Both models include a rear crosscutter for trimming rolled materials cleanly after cutting. This feature saves time and reduces waste when working with continuous rolls.
  • Print & Cut Function: Each model supports the print-and-cut workflow, where users can print a design on a regular printer and then use registration marks to cut precisely around it. This is popular for sticker creation and printable vinyl projects.
  • PixScan Compatibility: Both machines are compatible with PixScan technology, allowing users to scan or photograph material and accurately align cuts over printed images or hand-drawn designs. This enhances precision and creative freedom.
  • Matless Cutting (Pop-Out/Kiss-Cut): Both cutters can perform matless cuts directly on certain materials, like vinyl or sticker sheets. This helps reduce consumable costs and simplifies setup for frequent cutting sessions.
  • Touch Control Panel: Each device includes an intuitive touch panel for basic control and navigation without needing to use a computer. It provides direct access to essential operations like load, unload, and test cut.
  • LED Indicator Lighting: Both models use LED lighting around the carriage area to indicate operational status, tool detection, or error alerts. This gives users quick visual feedback during operation.
  • Compatible Tools (AutoBlade, Rotary, Kraft, Punch): Each supports the same family of tools, giving users flexibility for various materials and crafting techniques. This shared compatibility ensures seamless transition between models.
  • Software Compatibility (Silhouette Studio): Both work with Silhouette Studio software, which provides advanced design and cutting control. Users can share projects or workflows between machines without needing to relearn the interface.
  • Cutting Speed: Both machines reach up to approximately 30 cm/s, maintaining the same level of efficiency and precision for high-volume or detailed cuts. This ensures uniform performance between sizes.
  • Supported Material Types: Each cutter supports a wide range of materials, from paper and vinyl to heat transfer and fabric. This versatility makes them suitable for everything from hobby crafting to small business production.
  • Built-in Storage for Tools: Both include small internal compartments for storing extra blades or tools, keeping the workspace organized and reducing the chance of losing accessories.
  • Cross-platform Support (Windows/Mac): Both Cameo 4 and Cameo 4 Plus work seamlessly with Windows and macOS, providing flexibility regardless of the user’s operating system.
  • Carriage Type: Each machine uses a dual-motor carriage design — one for speed and one for power — balancing fast cuts for thin materials with strong pressure for thicker ones. This hybrid system ensures accuracy and versatility across all materials.

Common Features

FeatureCameo 4 PlusCameo 4
Cutting Force5 kg5 kg
Max Material Thickness3 mm3 mm
Dual Carriage SystemYesYes
Automatic Tool DetectionYesYes
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
USB ConnectionYesYes
Built-in Roll FeederYesYes
Built-in CrosscutterYesYes
Print & Cut FunctionYesYes
PixScan CompatibilityYesYes
Matless Cutting (Pop-Out/Kiss-Cut)YesYes
Touch Control PanelYesYes
LED Indicator LightingYesYes
Compatible Tools (AutoBlade, Rotary, Kraft, Punch)YesYes
Software Compatibility (Silhouette Studio)YesYes
Cutting SpeedUp to 30 cm/sUp to 30 cm/s
Supported Material TypesVinyl, Cardstock, Heat Transfer, FabricVinyl, Cardstock, Heat Transfer, Fabric
Built-in Storage for ToolsYesYes
Cross-platform Support (Windows/Mac)YesYes
Carriage TypeDual MotorDual Motor
Price Check Cameo 4 Plus Price
Check Cameo 4 Price

FAQ

Can the Cameo 4 Plus cut larger materials than the Cameo 4?
Yes, the Cameo 4 Plus can cut materials up to 15 inches wide, while the standard Cameo 4 is limited to 12 inches. This makes the Plus model better suited for larger vinyl projects, wall decals, and wide-format designs.

Do both machines have the same cutting power?
Yes, both the Cameo 4 and Cameo 4 Plus provide up to 5 kilograms of cutting force, allowing them to handle tough materials like leather, felt, and chipboard with the same precision and power.

Is there any difference in cutting length between the two models?
No, both machines support a maximum cutting length of about 10 feet (3 meters) when using roll media, making them equally capable for long continuous cuts.

Are the tools and blades interchangeable between Cameo 4 and Cameo 4 Plus?
Yes, all tools including the AutoBlade, Rotary Blade, Kraft Blade, and Punch Tool are fully compatible with both models, so users can share accessories between machines.

Do both models support Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, both have built-in Bluetooth, allowing wireless cutting from a laptop, tablet, or desktop without requiring a USB connection.

Do the Cameo 4 and Cameo 4 Plus use the same software?
Yes, both machines use Silhouette Studio software, which provides design tools, print-and-cut functions, and settings for all compatible blades and materials.

Are cutting mats different for the two models?
Yes, the Cameo 4 Plus uses a 15×15 inch mat, while the Cameo 4 uses a 12×12 inch mat. The larger mat on the Plus accommodates wider designs and media.

Is there any difference in cutting precision or quality?
No, both deliver identical cutting accuracy and precision because they use the same motor, carriage system, and firmware calibration. The difference lies only in cutting width.

Can both machines perform matless cutting?
Yes, both support matless cutting on select materials like vinyl and sticker paper, allowing users to feed rolls or sheets directly without a cutting mat.

Do both models come with built-in roll feeders?
Yes, each machine includes an integrated roll feeder, though the Cameo 4 Plus supports rolls up to 15 inches wide compared to 12 inches on the standard model.

Do they require an internet connection to operate?
No, both machines can function offline once designs are created or downloaded. However, an internet connection is needed to download software updates or design files from the Silhouette store.

Can I use both machines with a Mac or Windows computer?
Yes, both Cameo 4 and Cameo 4 Plus are compatible with Windows and macOS, ensuring smooth setup and operation on any major platform.

Are the Cameo 4 and Cameo 4 Plus suitable for commercial use?
Yes, both are capable of light to moderate commercial work. Their dual carriage, cutting power, and precision make them suitable for small business vinyl or craft production.

Do both models include automatic tool detection?
Yes, each model automatically recognizes which blade or tool is inserted, adjusting settings accordingly within Silhouette Studio for ease of use and consistent performance.

Which one is better for small spaces?
The standard Cameo 4 is better for compact work areas because it has a smaller footprint and lighter weight, while the Cameo 4 Plus requires more space due to its wider body.

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