Canon PIXMA iP3600 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA iP3600 uses the PGI-520 and CLI-521 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Aug 2026. Designed as a single-function A4 inkjet printer, it features a dual-black 5-ink system for sharp text documents alongside vibrant photo printing. Routine text documents drain the large PGI-520BK pigment cartridge first, while photo printing draws from the CLI-521BK photo black and CLI-521 colour tanks. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected page output and ink usage
Page yields for Canon PGI-520 and CLI-521 cartridges are calculated according to ISO/IEC 24711 standards under continuous printing conditions. Real-world output varies based on image coverage, print density, and paper choice, with document text consuming PGI-520BK faster than colour tanks.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-521BK | Standard | Black | 1,875 | $0.012 |
| PGI-520BK | Standard | Black | 350 | $0.067 |
| CLI-521C | Standard | Cyan | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521M | Standard | Magenta | 471 | $0.049 |
| CLI-521Y | Standard | Yellow | 505 | $0.046 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
Choosing compatible cartridges offers significant savings for high-volume document and photo printing. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our genuine vs compatible cartridges guide to learn more about performance standards and manufacturing quality.
Selecting the right cartridges for your printing needs
If you print mostly text documents, prioritize stocking the high-capacity PGI-520BK black cartridge. For printing borderless photos or graphics, replace individual CLI-521 colour tanks as they deplete. Compatible options are backed by a money-back guarantee under our returns policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges to stock up today.
Pro Tip
Never replace a CLI-521BK photo black cartridge expecting it to print standard black text documents-the PIXMA iP3600 relies specifically on the larger PGI-520BK pigment black cartridge for regular text printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer have two different black cartridges?
The Canon PIXMA iP3600 uses a 5-ink system with two distinct black inks. The PGI-520BK is a larger pigment-based black cartridge designed specifically for crisp, smudge-resistant text printing on plain paper. The CLI-521BK is a dye-based black cartridge used for tonal depth and shading when printing photos on glossy media.
Can I print photos if one of the CLI-521 colour cartridges runs dry?
No, the printer requires active levels across all ink channels, including Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and CLI-521BK photo black, to maintain printhead cooling and prevent thermal damage during print jobs.
Do CLI-521 cartridges drop ink levels equally during colour printing?
Ink consumption depends entirely on the colour composition of your photos and graphics. Warm images or skin tones consume Magenta and Yellow faster, whereas landscape prints deplete Cyan more rapidly.
