C4740 - Poor Color Cartridge Life Span

[a-hefner]

When print 4x6 photos from my C4740 printer I am only getting about 18 prints from the color cartridge. The original cartridges that came with the print seemed to last forever. Since replacing them I have replaced the color cartridge 3 times and working on my 4 cartridge in the time span of 2 days. The ones that came with the printer lasted two months or longer.

So my question is what could be causing the cartridges to have such a short life span?

Is 18 to 20 4x6 photos normal yield for a ink cartridge?

Also I am noticing that the black cartridge ink level is not changing so it leads me to believe it is not being used. I thought it had previously been used when printing photos but I could be wrong.

[PrintDoc]

Ink from the black cartridge is not used in photos at all.  The ink is not compatible with the photo paper.

What cartridge numbers are you using?

[a-hefner]

The cartridge number is number 60 for both.

[PrintDoc]

OK, next let's look at the print mode you use.  The least amount of ink used is in Draft or FastDraft mode.  Next is Normal and the most is Best.  This can have a dramatic effect on your ink usage.

Try printing photos in Normal mode instead of the default Best mode.

[Brent]

Here are some specs re: Photo yield expectations for the C4600 which will reference same as C4700.

HP 60 Tricolor - Photo Page Yield

HP 60 Tri-color Ink Cartridge (CC643W)

Approximately 45 4X6 Photos

Actual yield varies considerably based on content of printed pages and other factors.

For more information about variations/measurment of page yields, see: Inkjet photo yields

[PrintDoc]

Note that cartridge yield is very content-dependent.  If you print pictures of the night sky much more ink will be used than pictures taken in the snow.  I believe that the print suite used in the testing involves a large variety of content.

Are you trying to print very dark images?

[a-hefner]

Nothing real dark. Just some wedding photos. Most of which have been inside and contain a lot of brown colors since the wedding was side a log cabin church.

I will try setting the print quality to normal or standard from best and see if i can notice a difference in the quality and the usage of the ink.

Also, my Mac just downloaded an update for the HP print driver. So maybe this will also help.

[surendar]

can anyone tell me what's the life span of introductory catridge that comes along with hp printer.