I have used HP printers when they included only one cartridge containing the primary colors. A ruin. One advantage: each replacement, contacts were renewed. Canon cartridges never any trouble. Dear ... yes. But you are sure to twist the cartridge until the last drop. Oddly, the colors are not famous with Canon paper. Nevertheless, they get along very well with the glossy paper HP Advanced Photo paper. This paper (A4 sheets) offers accurate color, preserving every detail. Moreover, it affords the luxury to remain affordable. Anyway, it is always best to keep a complete set of cartridges. The corner bistro has perhaps not the missing material on a Sunday afternoon. Is it expensive? A picon / beer too ... I always avoided saying cartridges "compatible". Often disappointing, sometimes destructive. A completely hoarse printer because of these cheap ink! The price of repair exceeded the price of a new purchase.