7D Ruggedness

I have a 7D and really like the camera, I think the camera feels pretty rugged, but I considered the camera as protected as covered by the warranty and Canon will not cover any water damage. So take your 7D out in a light rain, but if one drop gets in destroys any components Canon's warranty will not cover the damage (I suggest you read the warranty).

Also remember that only some L lenses are weather sealed - so consult the list before choosing a lens.

As for the battery, I can't tell you the exact number of shots per batter but it seems to go all day. I can only remember one time replacing the battery and in that case the other batter was not fully charged.