The budget underwater setup gear

Olympus SP-350 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)


Buy used from: $220.00

Arguably the best compact digicam available for underwater phtography.

This camera has the essential for underwater photography and more. Like a full manual mode and very good macro capabilities. This is one of the few cameras with a hot shoe and a housing that connects to that hot shoe via a port.

Olympus PT-030 Underwater Housing for SP-310/350


Buy used from: $399.99

The underwater housing that goes with the Olympus SP-350. One of the few housings (for a compact digicam) that can be hooked up to a TTL strobe with a TTL (electric) sync cord or a fiber optic connector.

Sea & Sea YS-110 DS-TTL Duo Strobe, Required Sync Cord Not Included.



Buy new: $619.95

A good overall strobe that works well with the SP-350. It can be connected with a sync cord or a fiber optic cable. It also has a modeling light which is handy for night dives.

2GB Fuji Type-H High Speed xD-Picture Card


Buy new: $39.99

The highest capacity xD card available and also the fastest (Type H).

Targus Digital TG-CHV3 Kit with CRV3 Li-ion Battery and AC/DC 100-240v Rapid Charger


Buy new: $29.99

The best battery (and corresponding charger) I've found for the SP-350. It lasts me 2+ dives and charges fast. The CRV3 battery has 1700mAh capacity which is one of the highest I've seen out there. The multi-volt charger is handy for overseas travel.

Olympus 202049 USB 200 Media Reader/writer (Retail Package) - Blue

A handy USB adapter to read xD cards. Beats the cable to the camera.

Mini Multi-Battery Tester


Buy new: $28.95

The best insurance you can have to make sure your batteries are fully charged before a dive. It can test CRV3 batteries as well as AA and AAA batteries.

Olympus POL-030 - O-ring


Buy new: $9.15

Replacement o-ring for the PT-030 underwater housing.

Lenmar Rechargeable Nihm Battery Pack with Case


Buy new: $23.07

Have been using these AA 2700mAh rechargeable batteries so far with no problems with the Sea & Sea YS-110 strobe. Have never ran out of juice in a dive (if recharged every 2 dives).

SANYO Eneloop 8 Pack AA NiMH Ready to Use Rechargeable Batteries



Buy used from: $19.99

Have been starting to use these batteries for an old Nikonos SB-105 strobe. This strobe has a problem with 2700 mAh batteries, but works well with Eneloop batteries, which are 2000 mAh.

Pelican 1514 Case with Padded Dividers

A great carry-on case to take all with you. Very sturdy and water tight.