Canon PIXMA iP4200 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA iP4200 uses the PGI-5 and CLI-8 ink cartridge series, incorporating a five-ink system with separate PGI-5BK pigment black for text and dye-based CLI-8 photo cartridges. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Jan 2005. Document printing drains the larger PGI-5BK cartridge, while colour photos deplete individual CLI-8 dye tanks at varied rates. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Page Yields and Ink Consumption Patterns
Canon measures PGI-5BK and CLI-8 yields using ISO/IEC standard testing patterns for text and graphics. Routine text documents consume PGI-5BK pigment ink, whereas photo printing depletes dye-based CLI-8 cyan, magenta, yellow, and CLI-8BK photo black cartridges depending on image colour saturation.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGI-5BK | Standard | Black | 360 | $0.080 |
| CLI-8BK | Standard | Black | 65 | $0.46 |
| CLI-8C | Standard | Cyan | 62 | $0.49 |
| CLI-8M | Standard | Magenta | 53 | $0.57 |
| CLI-8Y | Standard | Yellow | 40 | $0.34 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible CLI-8 / PGI-5 Cartridges
If you want to reduce printing expenses, high-quality compatible PGI-5BK and CLI-8 tanks offer substantial savings over original Canon products. All compatible options sold at Ink Depot are backed by a money-back guarantee for complete confidence. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our detailed guide comparing genuine and compatible cartridges to determine which option best fits your photo and text printing demands.
Managing Replacements and Fast Shipping
For high-volume text printing, stock up on PGI-5BK pigment black tanks to maintain sharp lettering. If you print photo prints or graphics, bundle packs containing CLI-8 cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo black ensure balanced replenish cycles when individual colours deplete. Browse our full range of Canon Ink Cartridges with complete confidence under our returns policy. Orders are dispatched quickly from warehouse locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99.
Expert Consumable Advice
Always check whether you need PGI-5BK or CLI-8BK when replacing black ink: PGI-5BK is a larger pigment cartridge designed specifically for text documents, while CLI-8BK is a dye-based cartridge used solely for photo printing and grayscale imagery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the PIXMA iP4200 use two different black cartridges?
The printer uses PGI-5BK pigment black for water-resistant, sharp text on plain paper, while CLI-8BK dye black blends with CLI-8 cyan, magenta, and yellow to produce deep contrast and tonal gradations in photo prints.
Can I install a CLI-8BK cartridge into the PGI-5BK slot?
No, PGI-5BK and CLI-8BK have physically different cartridge widths and keying mechanisms. PGI-5BK fits only in the wide black slot, whereas CLI-8BK fits in its dedicated narrow slot alongside the colour cartridges.
Why do CLI-8 colour cartridges deplete at different speeds?
Ink consumption depends entirely on image colour balance. Photos containing skies consume CLI-8 cyan faster, while flesh tones draw more CLI-8 magenta and yellow ink. Replacing individual colour tanks as needed avoids wasting remaining ink in other chambers.
