Canon PIXMA MP520 Ink Cartridges
Shop ink cartridges for your Canon PIXMA MP520, which uses the Canon PGI-5 and CLI-8 ink cartridge series. The PIXMA MP520 is a versatile photo all-in-one printer engineered for everyday home office documents and photo printing. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance. Ink Depot has supplied quality ink for this printer since Aug 2026. Using a dedicated PGI-5BK pigment black for text and CLI-8 colour cartridges ensures you only replace individual depleted colours.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yields for Canon PGI-5 and CLI-8 cartridges are measured under ISO/IEC 24711 standard testing conditions. The PGI-5BK pigment black cartridge yields significantly more pages for text, while individual CLI-8 colour cartridges deplete at varied rates based on document coverage and photo printing frequency.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGI-5BK | Standard | Black | 360 | $0.080 |
| 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
For budget-conscious printing, compatible PGI-5BK and CLI-8 cartridges offer a cost-effective alternative to OEM cartridges without compromising print clarity. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. To learn more about how third-party cartridges perform against original products, read our genuine vs compatible cartridges guide.
Selecting the right ink setup for your printing
If you print mainly text documents, purchasing pigment PGI-5BK cartridges in bulk offers the best value. If you print photos or colour graphics, replacing individual CLI-8 cartridges as they run out avoids wasting unused colour ink. Choosing compatible cartridges substantially reduces running costs and includes a full money-back guarantee if they do not perform to your expectations. Check our returns policy for total peace of mind. We stock genuine and compatible Canon ink cartridges dispatched fast from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99.
Pro Tip
Keep a spare PGI-5BK black cartridge on hand separately from CLI-8 colour cartridges. Because text printing relies exclusively on pigment black ink while photo prints use CLI-8 colours, black cartridge depletion happens on a completely different cycle from colour replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix genuine Canon PGI-5 and compatible CLI-8 cartridges in my Canon PIXMA MP520?
Yes, genuine and compatible cartridges can be used together in the same printer without issue. The printer detects each cartridge slot independently, allowing you to replace individual CLI-8 or PGI-5 cartridges as needed.
Why does the PIXMA MP520 use both PGI-5BK and CLI-8 black cartridges?
The PGI-5BK contains pigment-based black ink engineered specifically for crisp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. CLI-8 cartridges use dye-based inks optimised for smooth colour gradients and vibrant photo printing on glossy media.
Do CLI-8 colour cartridges run out at the same time?
No. Because different documents and photos use varying amounts of cyan, magenta, and yellow, individual CLI-8 cartridges deplete at different rates. Canon's single-cartridge design allows you to replace only the specific depleted colour cartridge rather than discarding a multi-colour cartridge.
