Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Ink Cartridges
Your Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 uses the 312 / 312XL / 314XL cartridge series, a six-colour Claria Photo HD ink system designed for professional-grade transitions and detailed colour work. Since 2022, we have provided these specialised consumables to Australian photographers and creatives. Because this printer uses individual tanks for Light Cyan and Light Magenta alongside the standard CMYK set, replacement behaviour often varies based on the specific colour profiles of your images. To maintain consistent lab-quality results, most users monitor the lighter shades closely as they frequently deplete faster during high-resolution photo production.
Managing your cartridge replacements
The Epson XP-8700 is a precision creative tool, and how you stock your ink depends heavily on your output. If your work features heavy landscapes or portraits, you will likely notice the 312XL Light Cyan and Light Magenta cartridges exhausting before the primary CMY tanks. For those focused on high-volume photo printing, the 312XL high-yield options are essential for reducing the frequency of mid-job changes. We ship all orders from our national network of warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to ensure you stay productive.
Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). You can view our full range of Epson ink cartridges online. If a product does not meet your expectations, please refer to our returns policy for guidance.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
For the XP-8700, Epson determines page yield based on the ISO/IEC 24711 and 24712 standards for inkjet products. These tests are conducted using standard document text and graphics, which may differ from the high-density ink coverage required for full-page borderless photography. In a creative environment, your actual yield will fluctuate based on the "ink heavy" nature of your prints; however, the XL series provides a significantly larger reservoir to offset the demands of high-resolution imaging.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 312XL | High Yield | Black | 500 | $0.075 |
| 312XL | High Yield | Cyan | 830 | $0.045 |
| 312XL | High Yield | Magenta | 830 | $0.045 |
| 312XL | High Yield | Yellow | 830 | $0.045 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Maintenance and other consumables
Beyond the ink tanks, your printer requires a maintenance box to collect excess ink used during the automated printhead cleaning cycles. These cycles are vital for keeping the micro-fine nozzles clear, especially if the printer sits idle for several days.
Experience Tip: If you see a warning that your maintenance box is nearing the end of its service life, order a replacement immediately, as the printer will physically lock out further printing once the box is detected as full to prevent internal ink overflow.
Pro Tip
To get the most out of your 312XL cartridges, try to group your photo printing into batches rather than printing single photos days apart. This reduces the number of "power-on" cleaning cycles the printer performs, which can consume a small amount of ink from all six tanks regardless of what you are actually printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my XP-8700 require six cartridges instead of the usual four?
This printer uses the Claria Photo HD system, which adds Light Cyan and Light Magenta to the standard Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black set. These additional colours allow for much smoother gradations in skin tones and sky gradients, significantly reducing the "graininess" often seen in four-colour prints.
Can I continue printing if one of the colour cartridges is empty?
No, the Expression Photo series is designed to protect the permanent printhead. If any one of the six cartridges is empty, the printer will stop until it is replaced. This prevents air from being sucked into the narrow ink lines, which could cause permanent damage to the firing mechanism.
Is there a benefit to buying the 312XL bundle packs over individual tanks?
Since photo printing depletes the six colours at different rates, bundles are the most cost-effective way to keep a "buffer" stock. While you may not need all colours at the exact same moment, having a full set on hand is cheaper per millilitre than purchasing single cartridges as they expire.
