Epson Stylus Photo R390 Ink Cartridges
Shop ink cartridges for your Epson Stylus Photo R390, which uses the Epson 81N ink cartridges series. This dedicated 6-colour photo inkjet printer uses individual black (T1111) and light colour cartridges (T1115, T1116) to deliver smooth tonal gradients. Heavy photo output depletes light cyan and light magenta faster during high-resolution prints. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Photo printing yields vary significantly based on image coverage and colour density. Epson 81N ink cartridge yields are measured in accordance with ISO/IEC page yield testing standards, though continuous photo output consumes light shades like cyan (T1115) and magenta (T1116) at higher rates than standard text documents.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81N | High Yield | Black | 480 | $0.019 |
| 81N | High Yield | Cyan | 855 | $0.011 |
| 81N | High Yield | Light Cyan | 855 | $0.011 |
| 81N | High Yield | Magenta | 855 | $0.011 |
| 81N | High Yield | Light Magenta | 855 | $0.011 |
| 81N | High Yield | Yellow | 855 | $0.015 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Compatible cartridges.
What to know about compatible 81N cartridges
Our compatible 81N cartridges are manufactured to deliver rich colour reproduction and smooth tonal balance across glossy photo papers without compromising your printer. Learn more about genuine vs compatible cartridges to see how alternative inks match print quality. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty.
Choosing the right cartridge setup
If you print high-resolution photos regularly, opting for full 6-colour value packs ensures all shades, including T1112 cyan, T1113 magenta, T1114 yellow, T1115 light cyan, and T1116 light magenta, are refreshed together. If you print primarily black text, individual T1111 units can be ordered separately. All compatible inks include a money-back guarantee for complete peace of mind; review our returns policy for details. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our full range of Epson ink cartridges online.
Cartridge Buying Tip
When printing photo-heavy projects, light cyan (T1115) and light magenta (T1116) cartridges deplete significantly faster than primary yellow (T1114) or black (T1111). Keeping extra light colour cartridges on hand prevents unexpected print halts mid-project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Epson Stylus Photo R390 run out of light cyan and light magenta faster than other colours?
Light cyan (T1115) and light magenta (T1116) inks are heavily used in photo printing to create subtle skin tones, sky gradients, and soft highlights. Because these lighter inks are blended into almost every photo print area, their depletion rate is considerably higher than primary yellow or solid black cartridges.
Can I replace individual 81N cartridges as they run out, or do I need to replace all six at once?
You can replace individual 81N cartridges one at a time as each colour depletes. The printer tracks each ink level independently, so replacing a single empty cartridge, such as a T1111 black or T1113 magenta, allows you to continue printing without disturbing the remaining full cartridges.
What is the advantage of using a 6-colour ink system over standard 4-colour CMYK cartridges?
The 81N 6-colour system adds light cyan and light magenta to standard CMYK inks. This expanded palette produces smoother transitions, reduces visible dot grain in highlight areas, and delivers broader colour gamut control, which is essential for studio-quality photo prints compared to standard document printers.
