Canon PGI-5 & CLI-8 Ink Cartridges
The Canon PGI-5 and CLI-8 ink cartridge series features a multi-ink printing setup using pigment black alongside dye-based colour and photo inks. Designed for detailed output, these single-ink cartridges allow individual replacement as each colour runs out, keeping replacement costs practical. Options include both genuine Canon cartridges and cost-effective compatibles. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Printers Compatible with Canon PGI-5 & CLI-8 Ink Cartridges
Expected Page Yield and Printing Output
Page yield for PGI-5 pigment black is rated at 360 pages under ISO standards, whereas dye-based CLI-8 photo colours yield between 24 and 65 pages depending on shade density and coverage. Photo printing uses light cyan and photo magenta at higher rates than primary colours.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-8BK | Standard | Black | 65 | $0.46 |
| PGI-5BK | Standard | Black | 360 | $0.080 |
| CLI-8PC | Standard | Cyan | 32 | $0.94 |
| CLI-8C | Standard | Cyan | 62 | $0.49 |
| CLI-8M | Standard | Magenta | 53 | $0.57 |
| CLI-8PM | Standard | Magenta | 24 | $1.25 |
| CLI-8Y | Standard | Yellow | 40 | $0.34 |
| CLI-8R | Standard | Red | 50 | $0.60 |
| CLI-8G | Standard | Green | 52 | $0.58 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Inks
Compatible PGI-5 and CLI-8 cartridges provide a direct alternative to OEM cartridges, reducing printing costs significantly per unit. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Every compatible cartridge sold by Ink Depot comes with a money-back guarantee if it fails to perform. You can read a detailed breakdown in our genuine vs compatible cartridge guide.
Stocking and Handling Multi-Colour Ink Systems
For document-heavy use, order additional PGI-5 black cartridges alongside your colour set, as text printing relies entirely on pigment black. When producing heavy photo print runs, photo cyan and photo magenta deplete fastest due to subtle shading processes. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, shipped directly from our warehouse network in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore our full range of Canon ink cartridges. For full peace of mind on order changes or guarantees, refer to our Returns policy.
Pro Tip
Always replace the PGI-5 black tank when printing text documents; CLI-8 photo black cannot replace pigment black for sharp document text as it uses a completely different ink chemistry and print head nozzle path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do CLI-8 Photo Cyan and Photo Magenta cartridges deplete faster than standard Cyan and Magenta?
Photo printers draw heavily on lighter photo inks to render skin tones, skies, and smooth colour gradients. Standard cyan and magenta are only injected during high-contrast or deeply saturated sections, resulting in faster consumption of light photo shades during regular photo printing.
Can I mix genuine Canon PGI-5 cartridges with compatible CLI-8 cartridges in the same printer?
Yes. Individual single-ink slots operate independently, allowing you to run a genuine PGI-5 pigment black alongside compatible CLI-8 colour cartridges without ink clashing or printer communication issues.
Why does my printer use PGI-5 for text but CLI-8 Black for photos?
PGI-5 uses pigment-based ink designed to bond to paper surfaces for crisp, water-resistant text printing. CLI-8 Black uses dye-based ink designed to sink into photo paper layers, producing glossy finishes without surface bronzing.
