Canon PIXMA MG5250 Ink Cartridges
Shop ink cartridges for your Canon PIXMA MG5250, which uses the Canon PGI-525 and CLI-526 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has supplied reliable consumables for this desktop photo printer since Sep 2010. The 5-ink system relies on PGI-525BK pigment black for crisp text documents, whereas CLI-526BK photo black and CLI-526 dye colours handle graphics and photo rendering. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Cartridge Yield & Output Expectations
Page yield for PGI-525 and CLI-526 cartridges is measured using ISO/IEC 24711 standard testing. Pigment PGI-525BK text output varies by document coverage, while CLI-526 photo black and dye colour depletion depends on image shade balance, background density, and photo print frequency.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-526BK | Standard | Black | 2,185 | $0.011 |
| PGI-525BK | Standard | Black | 311 | $0.076 |
| CLI-526C | Standard | Cyan | 462 | $0.051 |
| CLI-526M | Standard | Magenta | 437 | $0.054 |
| CLI-526Y | Standard | Yellow | 450 | $0.052 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Options
Selecting compatible PGI-525BK and CLI-526 cartridges offers substantial savings for high-volume printing without compromising output clarity. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. For a detailed breakdown of performance and value differences, read our guide on genuine vs compatible cartridges.
Cartridge Buying Options & Delivery
If you print mostly text documents, stock up on PGI-525BK pigment black. For photo printing, bundled CLI-526 colour sets prevent single-tone outages. Compatible cartridges include a money-back guarantee if they do not perform as expected. Review our returns policy for peace of mind. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from dispatch centres in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges today.
Pro Tip
The PGI-525BK pigment black cartridge and CLI-526BK dye photo black cartridge serve distinct roles in your printer. Pigment ink is used strictly for plain-paper document text, while photo black activates for photo paper and graphics, meaning they cannot be swapped between slots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Canon PIXMA MG5250 use two separate black cartridges?
The PGI-525BK is a pigment-based black engineered for crisp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. The CLI-526BK is a dye-based photo black formulated to deliver dark tones, contrast, and smooth gradients on glossy photo paper.
Can I insert a CLI-526 cartridge into the PGI-525 slot?
No, the PGI-525BK cartridge has a wider physical profile and different contact arrangement than the CLI-526 series. Each cartridge keying ensures it only installs into its corresponding printhead slot.
What happens if one colour cartridge runs completely dry?
The printer relies on all individual CLI-526 colour channels during printing to maintain proper pressure balance and color accuracy. Replacing depleted colour tanks immediately prevents print stops and incomplete image layers.
