Do Photo Printers give you the option to not have to use the ink from the photo catridge?

Question

I want to get an all in one photo printer. We wouldn't be using the photo part much but sparingly, but would definitely use the regular printer for black and white and color printing. Are these three separate cartridges or does it all come from one source, leaving the photo color quality lacking if you run out of color ink.

I am learning the ABC's of this, hence the simple question.
Vancouver

Answer 1

At least on HP's, they are 3 separate types of cartridges: black, color, and photo. However, it depends on the specific printer.

Answer 2

Most of the HP photo printers use the black cartridge and a single color cartridge (which has 3 colors inside). You can usually have the option to switch the black cartridge with an optional photo cartridge, but you do not need to do that if you do not want to buy the photo cartridge.

Also, with the existing color cartridge, you can already print very good pictures on photo paper. So unless you are a die-hard photo-enthusiast, you can just stick with the standard black and color cartridge.

Your 2nd question:
The newer HP photo printers have separate color cartridges. You can just change whichever color runs out. And yes if you run out of any color (either in the individual ink tanks or the integrated single color ink cartridge), your photo will look weird as the printers depend on all the colors to make your photo look good.

These are your 2 choices, so when you go look for a printer, check to see if its a single black and a single color, or totally 4-6 separate ink cartridges. Then choose according to your needs and estimated usage.