Canon PIXMA MP500 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MP500 printer uses the Canon PGI-5 and CLI-8 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has supplied reliable consumables for this printer since Aug 2026. This all-in-one inkjet isolates plain text output from photo graphics using separate pigment and dye inks. Standard document work depletes the high-capacity PGI-5BK black cartridge first, leaving CLI-8 colour tanks for visual media. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yields for Canon PGI-5 and CLI-8 cartridges are measured under ISO/IEC standards using standardized 5% page coverage test sheets. Document printing primarily depletes the PGI-5BK pigment black cartridge, while full-page colour or image printing drains individual CLI-8 dye tanks at varied rates depending on image tint balance.
| 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 options
Choosing compatible PGI-5BK and CLI-8 cartridges delivers substantial savings for daily printing without compromising output clarity. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our detailed guide comparing genuine vs compatible cartridges for clear insights into performance and reliability.
Best way to stock these cartridges
If you print mostly text documents, ordering extra PGI-5BK black cartridges ensures continuous operation. For regular colour prints, multi-packs offer greater convenience. Compatible options include a money back guarantee for total purchasing confidence. We ship directly from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges or check our returns policy for details.
Pro Tip
Do not replace an empty CLI-8BK photo black cartridge with a PGI-5BK pigment black cartridge, as they use different ink formulations engineered for distinct paper media and internal feed channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Canon PIXMA MP500 use both PGI-5BK and CLI-8BK black cartridges?
The PGI-5BK contains pigment-based black ink engineered specifically for crisp, smear-resistant text on plain paper. The CLI-8BK contains dye-based black ink designed for rich contrast, shading, and gloss on photo media.
Can I continue printing black text if a CLI-8 colour cartridge runs out?
The printer requires all five ink cartridges to have detected ink to initialize print cycles. If a CLI-8 colour cartridge is completely exhausted, the printer will halt printing until the empty tank is replaced.
Are CLI-8 photo inks interchangeable across different colour slots?
No. Each CLI-8 cartridge features keyways specific to its designated colour slot (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) to prevent incorrect placement and ink contamination in the printhead.
