Canon PIXMA iP4500 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA iP4500 uses the PGI-5 and CLI-8 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this desktop photo printer since Jan 2007. This 5-ink setup separates PGI-5BK pigment black for crisp text from CLI-8 dye inks, ensuring CLI-8BK photo black and colour cartridges deplete only when outputting photos and graphics. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected Page Output and Ink Depletion
Page yields for Canon PGI-5 pigment black and CLI-8 dye cartridges are calculated according to ISO/IEC 24711 standards for document printing and ISO/IEC 24712 for photo output. Document printing relies primarily on PGI-5BK, while photo printing distributes ink evenly across CLI-8 dye tanks.
| 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 Cartridges
Both genuine Canon tanks and compatible alternatives offer exceptional print performance on the PIXMA iP4500. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Selecting high-quality compatibles provides a budget-friendly option for high-volume printing without compromising shade accuracy. Read our detailed genuine vs compatible cartridge guide to determine which option best suits your printing habits.
Smart Buying Options for Your PIXMA Setup
If your daily output focuses on text documents, stocking up on PGI-5BK pigment cartridges ensures crisp line work. For regular photo printing, bundled CLI-8 colour packs reduce overall cartridge expense. All compatible cartridges are backed by a money-back guarantee for peace of mind. Review our returns policy for complete coverage details. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, shipped quickly from our dispatch centres in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our complete range of Canon ink cartridges today.
Pro Tip
Never substitute the CLI-8BK photo black for the PGI-5BK document black cartridge. The PGI-5BK contains pigment-based ink specifically engineered for crisp paper text that resists smudging, whereas CLI-8BK uses dye ink formulated to produce deep contrast shades on glossy photo media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon PIXMA iP4500 require both PGI-5BK and CLI-8BK black cartridges?
The printer uses a hybrid ink system. PGI-5BK contains high-density pigment black ink designed for sharp, smudge-resistant text printing on plain paper. CLI-8BK contains dye-based photo black ink used exclusively alongside cyan, magenta, and yellow dye inks to produce rich shadows and tonal depth on photo paper.
Will my PIXMA iP4500 continue printing if one CLI-8 colour cartridge runs out?
No. Canon 5-ink engines pause operation when any individual ink tank reads completely empty to prevent dry firing, which can overheat the printhead nozzles. Replacing the depleted CLI-8 tank restores full printing capability immediately.
Is it better to replace individual CLI-8 cartridges or purchase a multipack bundle?
If your photo printing causes uneven depletion of cyan, magenta, or yellow, replacing single CLI-8 tanks as needed prevents wasteful leftover inventory. However, purchasing full PGI-5/CLI-8 bundle packs offers a significantly lower cost per cartridge for regular photo printing.
