Buying a printer for personal use, whether you’re a photographer, own a small business, or work from home, is a great investment. But there are few things that are more frustrating than struggling with what ink to buy for your printer. If you don’t get the right kind, you likely wont be able to use it. Here are five different kinds of ink Canon has on the market, their benefits, and what printers they were made for.
BCI Series Inks
What they’re best for: These inks will help you produce really crisp photos and documents, and they’ll last.
What printers they’re compatible with: Most of the BCI Series inks are compatible with PIXMA MP750 printers. The BCI-3e black ink and the PCI-6 cyan, magenta and yellow are also compatible with the PIXMA IP3000, while the BCI-16 colour ink is compatible with the PIXMA IP90V.
CL Series Inks
What they’re best for: Also great for photos, the CL Series of inks has a smaller range, but all the same benefits of the BCI Series.
What printers they’re compatible with: The CL Series is compatible with several of the PIXMA printers. The CL-31 and CL-41 colour inks are compatible with IP2600, IP1800, MP190 and MC300, while the CL-211 colour ink cartridge is compatible with every PIXMA MP from 240 to 495. The CL-241 on the other hand is compatible with most PIXMA MG an MX printers.
CLI Series Inks
What they’re best for: These ink cartridges are all available as individual tanks, and they are ideal for printing high-quality, detailed photographs.
What printers they’re compatible with: All of the CLI-8 tanks are compatible with the PIXMA IP6700D, PRO9000, MP950, MP960, MP970, and the Pro9000 Mark II. The CLI-42 tanks are for the PRO100, and the CLI-221 tanks work with every MP from 560 to 990, and the MX860 and 870.
PG Series Inks
What they’re best for: These ink cartridges are available in black only, and they’ll give you a sharp black whether you’re printing photos or documents.
What printers they’re compatible with: The PG-30 cartridges are compatible with the PIXMA IP2600 and 1800, as well as the MP190 and the MX300. The PG-40 cartridges are compatible with the IP1700 only, and the PG-50s were built for the MP460 and the MX300. The PG-210 is a lot more universal, and is compatible with every MP from 240 to 495, as well as every MX from 320 to 420. The PG-240 cartridges cover a lot of ground, too, and are available for every MG from 2120 to 3620.
PFI Series Inks
What they’re best for: This Lucia Pro ink has capsulated pigment particles and a Chroma Optimizer coat, which means it can be placed on a page more densely and produce a glossier, more clear image.
What printers they’re compatible with: Because the PFI series inks are so specialized, they are only compatible with the magePROGRAF PRO-1000.
By Lynn Hachette
Featured image source: estore.canon.ca
