Hi James,

As far as I know, there are no waterproof DSLRs, though I'm more
familiar with Canon than Nikon. They do, however, have different
levels of weather _resistance_. I shoot with a Canon 5D MarkII
($2,000 +) and a waterproof housing for that camera runs around $1500
or more. The 7D may have better weather resistance but is still twice
your budget.

By fast response do you mean a shorter lag between pressing the
button and having the camera take the picture, or do you mean a fast
shutter speed? Shutter speed will be a factor of lens (how much light
it lets in) and ISO (the digital equivalent of film speed).

Marc Hoffman
Kirkland, WA
http://www.SongbirdPhoto.com

At 01:46 PM 1/16/2012, you wrote:

> BTW I have decided to upgrade from my Nikon coolpix L120 to
> something with a bit more oompf.
>
> Things I want: digital, interchangeable lens capacity, waterproof,
> fast response and old timey view finder. CONSTRUCTIVE Suggestions
> or second hand offers welcome. I am looking to stay with Nikon but
> I think Cannon is going to be more likely cost wise- looking for
> well under 1000. 6-800 is really the best i can do for this level .
> tHANKS.