What exactly does weather sealed mean?
My Nikon D7100 is said to be "weather sealed" does that mean i can use it out in the rain and snow or if it gets some water on it will be okay? Has anyone tested it for limitations like poured water on it?
It means sealed from the effects of weather.
That doesn't mean waterproof.
I have the D7100 and I often use it in rain, snow, fog, etc. And just dry it off afterwards. I know that's not how you should treat a camera, but nothing's ever happened and if I'm out in a rainstorm I'll just tape a ziploc bag on it. Snow is pretty much always fine because it doesn't fall, stick, or melt as quick as rain so I just wipe it off with my jacket. I've been using the D7100 since June 2013 and it still works like new.
"Weather sealed" is a fairly vague statement in general, and probably has no legal status in most countries.
Probably in the handbook there's a statement of the sort of conditions which the D7100 can withstand. If not, you should enquire directly at Nikon's website.
I never trust such claims, though there are seals around critical areas of the camera to call it "weather sealed". I approach any such thing as if it is NOT "weather sealed". Do not expose it purposely to extreme elements, but the weather sealing is there to give you a little extra protection if you happen to get caught in a less than ideal weather situation. Would I intentionally take the camera out in a hard rain with no protection on it… NO… But I would not be as worried if I got CAUGHT in a rain with the "weather sealed" camera. Use it as a "normal" camera and just regard the weather sealing as a little extra insurance against unexpected bad conditions.
I have the D300, which is also 'weather sealed'.
No, I have never poured water on it (and wouldn't!) but I've used it in fairly heavy rain on occasions, such that it got a good coating of raintwater on it, with no deleterious effects.
Do bear in mind though, that although the camea BODY may be weather sealed, not all LENSES are, so in effect, the lens potentially could be the weakest link in the system.
It will resist light rain or snow but is NOT waterPROOF