Canon PIXMA MP980 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MP980 uses the PGI-520 and CLI-521 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this photo printer since Aug 2026. Designed with a 6-ink individual tank setup that includes PGI-520BK pigment black and dedicated CLI-521GY grey ink for subtle shading in photographic prints, colour depletion varies by print style. 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 CLI-521 and PGI-520 cartridges are determined using standard ISO/IEC test pages. Because photo printing uses heavier ink coverage, CLI-521GY grey and CLI-521 colour tanks deplete faster when producing continuous photo output compared to routine document text.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-521BK | Standard | Black | 1,875 | $0.012 |
| PGI-520BK | Standard | Black | 350 | $0.067 |
| CLI-521C | Standard | Cyan | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521M | Standard | Magenta | 471 | $0.049 |
| CLI-521Y | Standard | Yellow | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521GY | Standard | Yellow | 1,370 | $0.017 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible CLI-521 tanks
Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Compatible PGI-520BK and CLI-521 cartridges offer an economical alternative for daily document printing and high-volume photo drafts. Read our detailed genuine vs compatible cartridge guide to evaluate output performance for your printing balance.
How to order your PIXMA MP980 ink
For standard document printing, PGI-520BK pigment black provides sharp text, while photo printing relies heavily on CLI-521GY grey and CLI-521 dye colours. Compatible bundle packs provide significant savings across all six colour slots and are backed by a money-back guarantee. View our returns policy for full peace of mind. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges today.
Pro Tip for 6-Ink Photo Printing
Replacing individual dye colours like CLI-521GY grey as soon as they run low prevents the printer from composite-mixing remaining colour tanks to produce neutral greys, preserving true tonal accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Canon PIXMA MP980 require both PGI-520BK and CLI-521BK black cartridges?
PGI-520BK contains pigment-based black ink engineered specifically for crisp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. CLI-521BK uses dye-based black ink suited for glossy photo paper and fine tonal gradients in colour photographs.
Can I replace just the CLI-521GY grey cartridge without replacing the other colour tanks?
Yes, the PIXMA MP980 uses an individual ink tank system, allowing you to replace only the specific tank that is empty. Replacing CLI-521GY individually ensures smooth grey transitions in photo prints without wasting remaining ink in other tanks.
Can I mix genuine Canon CLI-521 cartridges with compatible cartridges in the same printer?
Yes, compatible CLI-521 ink cartridges are designed to function seamlessly alongside genuine Canon tanks in the same printhead, allowing you to replace individual cartridges as they empty without disrupting colour tracking.
