The third edition new Silhouette Portrait, retailing at $199.99, has a few updates from the previous model of the "mini CAMEO" so read on for the updates to the new Portrait model and a first look...plus info on the new Silhouette mobile app!
Silhouette Portrait 3
The Silhouette Portrait is a smaller model of the Silhouette CAMEO 4 making it perfect for smaller craft spaces and those crafters who need a machine that's easy and light (just 3.5 lbs!) for on-the-go crafting anywhere from a craft show to a camper!
The best part is Silhouette Portrait uses the same Silhouette Studio software as the larger Silhouette CAMEO machines and has the same functionality including Print and Cut, Pixscan, sketching, and of course cutting - all just on an 8" wide scale. It can also cut with a mat up to 12" or without a cutting mat up to 60' (feet) long. (And how perfect is it with the mini 9x12" pink heat press!! )
Silhouette Portrait 3 vs Silhouette Portrait 2
The biggest update to the Silhouette Portrait 3 from the earlier model Portrait 2 is the new tool carriage and therefore use of the new AutoBlade - the same one used in the CAMEO 4.
The Portrait 3 is still a single-carriage cutting machine, but the new model of the 8" cutting machine has the same tool carriage as the left side tool carriage of the CAMEO 4. That means the Portrait 3 will use all the same tools and tool adapters that are used in the CAMEO 4's left carriage. This would include the Autoblade (second edition), the 2mm Kraft Blade, Sketch Pens, Deep Cut Blade, Premium Blade, and Ratchet Blade.
However, one important thing to keep in mind is out of the box the Silhouette Portrait 3 ONLY comes with the blue adapter for sketch pens. All other adapters to use the Deep Cut Blade, Premium Blade, and Ratchet Blade would need to be purchased separately which is a change from the Silhouette CAMEO 4 and CAMEO 4 Plus which come with the tool adapters.
But there's some good news..because Swing Design has put together several Portrait 3 bundles that include the extra adapters and the extra tools!
The change in the tool carriage also means the Portrait 2 now has single tap reset with the Autoblade and automatic tool detection.
It's worth pointing out the 8" Silhouette Portrait 3 does not have a high force tool carriage and therefore can not take the Rotary Blade, 3mm Kraft Blade or Punch tool.
There are some other minor cosmetic differences between the Portrait 2 and Portrait 3 but they will be almost unnoticeable and most likely not worth an upgrade for an existing Portrait 2 owner...but for everyone else - including Portrait 1 and Silhouette CAMEO owners - you may really find benefit in the new Portrait 3.
Want to see it up close, check out my Live Silhouette Portrait 3 Unboxing.
Silhouette Portrait 3 vs Silhouette Portrait 1
If you are an original Silhouette Portrait owner, the Silhouette Portrait 3 offers quite a few update including:
Bluetooth Capability
Mobile App Connectivity
Ability to use the Autoblade (2)
Auto Tool Detection
Single Tap Autoblade
2mm Clearance (thicker materials)
Matless/Pop Out Cutting for unlined materials
Matless/Pop Out Cutting for unlined materials
One thing to keep in mind is you can only use the older model Silhouette tools (ratchet blade, fabric blade, Deep Cut, Premium) in the Portrait 3 with an adapter. The exception would be the Silhouette Sketch Pens. Only the new sketch pens with the black case + blue adapter (the only adapter included) will work in the Portrait 3.
Silhouette Portrait 3 vs CAMEO 4/CAMEO 3/CAMEO 2/CAMEO 1
Silhouette CAMEO 4 users (and those who own older model Silhouette CAMEOs including the CAMEO 3, 2, and 1) may also find added benefit in adding the smaller Portrait to their machine fleet.
Silhouette Portrait 3 vs Cricut Joy
Finally, looking outside the Silhouette family, how does the Silhouette Portrait 3 compare to the Cricut Joy?
Both are wifi-enabled mini cutting machines that can cut without a mat. But how do the Cricut Joy vs Silhouette Portrait 3 stack up on features?
Silhouette Portrait 3 Set Up and Getting Started
To run the Silhouette Portrait 3 you must update your software to Silhouette Studio V4.4.235 or higher. This software version will also run all other Silhouette cutting machines.The Silhouette Portrait 3 can also be used with the new Silhouette mobile app, Silhouette Go, which was released in beta today.
Shop Silhouette Portrait 3 machines and bundles
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