I started off with the D3100 and then on to the D5100. One of the main reasons I moved up to the D7000 and then included the D7100 was the weather resistance. I was always scared to go out with the D3100 or D5100 even if it looked like rain. With the D7?000 I will go out if it looks like rain. I just got back from shooting and it was misting while I was out. Not even enough to get my glasses wet and I did not worry about getting the camera wet. Now if it was raining hard I would stick the camera under my shirt and get out of the rain but would not freak out. Not designed to be in a downpour for extended periods of time but brief periods and then dry it off.