HP Photosmart 7550 Ink Cartridges
Your HP Photosmart 7550 uses the 56 and 57 ink cartridge series, a dedicated printhead system engineered for high-definition colour photos and sharp text output. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Sep 2026. Using a 57 (C6657AA) colour cartridge alongside a 56 (C6656AA) black cartridge ensures smooth colour transitions during photo printing, while twin packs help reduce overall print costs. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected Page Output and Replacement Cycles
Page yields for 56 (C6656AA) and 57 (C6657AA) cartridges are measured using ISO/IEC 24711 standard test pages. Because photo printing uses significantly higher ink density than standard text documents, actual yield varies based on image complexity and colour balance across your print jobs.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | Standard | Black | 450 | $0.038 |
| 57 | Standard | Colour | 400 | $0.072 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Compatible cartridges.
Choosing Compatible Cartridge Options
Choosing compatible 56 and 57 cartridges offers a cost-effective way to maintain high print output without sacrificing clarity. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our genuine vs compatible cartridge guide to learn how third-party options match OEM performance standards.
Selecting the Right Cartridge Combination
If you print mainly text, running a dedicated 56 (C6656AA) black cartridge maintains crisp document clarity. If you print photos, picking up a 56/57 bundle pack ensures you balance colour depletion while lowering per-cartridge costs. All compatible items come backed by a money-back guarantee for complete peace of mind. Check our returns policy for details. We ship fast from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 when ordering HP ink cartridges.
Cartridge Pro Tip
HP 56 and 57 cartridges feature integrated printheads built into each cartridge, meaning every replacement cartridge effectively installs a brand new printhead mechanism to maintain pristine photo quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print photos if my 56 black cartridge is empty?
No, the HP Photosmart 7550 requires both installed cartridges to have sufficient ink levels to complete a print job. Even during dedicated colour photo printing, black ink is used to build shadow detail and contrast.
Why does the 57 colour cartridge deplete faster than the 56 black cartridge?
The 57 (C6657AA) colour cartridge houses three separate ink reservoirs (cyan, magenta, and yellow) inside a single unit. Printing full-page photos consumes all three colours simultaneously, leading to faster depletion compared to printing monochrome text with the 56 (C6656AA) black cartridge.
How does ISO/IEC testing compare to real-world photo printing yields?
ISO yield testing uses standard 5% page coverage models consisting primarily of text and basic graphics. Full-bleed glossy photo prints often cover 80% to 100% of the page with high-density ink layers, which reduces total printable page count relative to official ISO ratings.
