CLI-521: How many prints before ink runs out

zefelder

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I recently bought Canon ip4700 and trying to estimate a real cost of printing (OEM inks and compatible inks).

According to Canon specs it is possible to print 200+ 10x15 photos from a single set of color CLI-521 cartridges.

Does anyone have a better/real estimation (from experience)? Is 200+ a reasonable number at all for typical photos printed at high quality setting?
 

The Hat

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zefelder

If I were you I wouldnt bother doing the exercise because Canon inks are way too expensive to use for any serious printing. My advice is to refill your OEM cartridges with good quality ink and forget about estimates and Canon specs, just enjoy the huge savings.. :)
 

zefelder

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The Hat said:
zefelder

If I were you I wouldnt bother doing the exercise because Canon inks are way too expensive to use for any serious printing. My advice is to refill your OEM cartridges with good quality ink and forget about estimates and Canon specs, just enjoy the huge savings.. :)
Yeah, that's exactly what I am going to do anyway :cool:

I completely agree that printing with Canon inks is forbiddingly expensive even if these cartridges indeed can print 200 photos. Still estimating the cost of printing for compatible inks would be interesting.

Also would be interesting to know expected life time of print head and printer itself in terms of number of pictures printed (especially using non-original inks), since this also eventually adds to the printing cost.
 

ghwellsjr

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I estimate refilling brings the cost of ink to around 10% of OEM. At that point, you don't worry about the cost per page, at least as far as the ink is concerned.
 

zefelder

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I think it's even less than 10%. Full set of canon inks cost about $88 in my country, whereas 5*100ml Image Specialists inks from octoinkjet cost about $27. 100ml would make about 10 refills, meaning IS inks are 10*$88/$27 = 33 times cheaper. Still the cost is not zero. Even if a set of full cartridges is enough for 200 A6 prints as Canon says, then around 25 double sided A4 can be printed from a single refill, i.e.

Cost of non OEM inks for 1 double sided A4: ($27/10)/25 = $0.11
Cost of single non OEM double sided 230g A4 photo sheet: $0.25

That is cost of ink is ~30% of total cost. Not exactly negligible. And I suspect that canon specs are overstated.

Please correct me if I am missing something. I admit than I am a green newbie :)
 

ghwellsjr

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Your detailed analysis is great and in complete accord with what I said. My point is that with OEM ink, the ink is by far the prominent cost and most people hesitate to print something unless they really need it. With refilled ink, other things become the predominate cost, so much so, that most people feel a real freedom to print anything they want, especially on plain paper. In fact, many people consider the additional cost of prefilled cartridges enough of a saving that they don't want to bother with refilling.

The only thing you are missing is the cost of the printer and your refill supplies but they become very difficult to factor in because they are dependent on how long the printer lasts and how many prints are made which will be different for every person and not predictable ahead of time.
 

strobemonkey

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zefelder said:
According to Canon specs it is possible to print 200+ 10x15 photos from a single set of color CLI-521 cartridges.
I don't believe that. I only printed x25 10x15 cm and x3 A4 size and my computer is showing 50% empty cartridges except the big black tank.
 

tigerwan

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I'm wondering what settings Canon used for their estimate, usually these estimates are based on the most basic settings to use less ink. In the case of text estimates, they are usually draft settings. Maybe canon had the printers set on "good" quality, not "best". "Best" would use more ink for photos.

Just a guess on my part.
 

mikling

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Printing lots of clouds would also help,
snow covered scenes
and Frosty himself!
 

strobemonkey

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mikling said:
Printing lots of clouds would also help,
snow covered scenes
and Frosty himself!
LOL that's the best printing tip I've come across so far!
 
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