Canon BCI-3E, BCI-6 Ink Cartridges
The Canon BCI-3E and BCI-6 series ink cartridges are designed for individual ink replacement, including specialised photo shades like Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta, Red, and Green. Affordable compatible cartridges and bulk bundles are available to help manage print costs on these multi-ink setups. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Printers Compatible with Canon BCI-3E, BCI-6 Ink Cartridges
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yields for BCI-3E and BCI-6 cartridges are measured using ISO/IEC 24711 test standards at 5% coverage for standard text documents. BCI-3E pigment black cartridges deliver up to 500 pages, while BCI-6 dye colour cartridges yield approximately 100 to 280 pages per tank.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCI-6BK | Standard | Black | 280 | $0.026 |
| BCI-3eBK | Standard | Black | 500 | $0.016 |
| BCI-6PC | Standard | Cyan | 100 | $0.072 |
| BCI-6C | Standard | Cyan | 100 | $0.072 |
| BCI-6M | Standard | Magenta | 100 | $0.072 |
| BCI-6PM | Standard | Magenta | 100 | $0.072 |
| BCI-6Y | Standard | Yellow | 100 | $0.072 |
| BCI-6G | Standard | Green | 100 | $0.072 |
| BCI-6R | Standard | Red | 100 | $0.072 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Compatible cartridges.
Managing multi-tank photo ink usage
Photo printers like the i9900 or i9950 use up to 8 individual ink channels. Cyan, Magenta, Photo Cyan, and Photo Magenta tend to deplete twice as fast when printing glossy photographs compared to general text. To keep printing costs manageable during large photo runs, switch to compatible BCI-6 cartridges to drop your per-tank expense to $7.21.
If you prefer stocking up on primary print colours, choose the 5-pack or 9-pack options. Orders are dispatched from local warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. For details on returns, view our returns policy. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges.
What to know about compatible BCI-3E and BCI-6 cartridges
Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Compatible BCI-3E and BCI-6 tanks offer a cost-effective alternative to OEM cartridges without compromising colour accuracy or printhead performance. Learn more in our genuine vs compatible cartridge guide.
Pro Tip
Always remove the orange protective clip from the bottom of BCI-3E and BCI-6 cartridges before installation, ensuring the ink outlet port faces downward during removal to avoid dripping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer use both BCI-3eBK and BCI-6BK cartridges?
BCI-3eBK contains pigment-based black ink engineered specifically for crisp, water-resistant text on plain paper. BCI-6BK contains dye-based black ink designed to blend seamlessly with colour inks on glossy photo paper for accurate dark tones and contrast.
Can I mix compatible BCI-6 cartridges with original Canon tanks?
Yes. Compatible BCI-6 individual tanks use the same physical housing and ink chemistry formula, allowing you to replace single depleted colours while retaining original cartridges in the remaining printhead slots.
Why do Photo Cyan and Photo Magenta cartridges run out faster than standard Cyan and Magenta?
Photographic printing algorithms use lighter photo inks (Photo Cyan and Photo Magenta) for subtle skin tones, skies, and light gradients, causing these tanks to deplete quicker during high-density photo printing.
