DSLR camera for 24/365 operation to replace ip camera

Hello,

I often use IP-webcams for outdoor automatic internet-photostations. But even our high quality surveillance ip cameras only have 3 megapixels, no good dynamic, sometimes too long shutter time and have no possibility to synchronize/connect a flash.
So I thought to use an DSLR camera. To connect it to IP and transfer pictures via FTP I can use a rugged industry PC with linux and an USB library to access the camera.
Because I’m new to DSLRs I’m not sure whether they can meet my special requirements:

- ability to electronically press the shutter
- use it outdoor (maybe with a waterproof housing?)
- can I put the camera in such a housing together with the flash? (use an own housing for the flash, or maybe an outdoor flash?)
- does an DSLR run 24/365? I’ve seen that some people use them to do long time timelapse sessions – so maybe some DSLRs are built for continuous operation. Is the camera firmware stable enough to run continuously over months without casual system crashes and a need to be rebooted sometimes?
- the DSLR should work just with a power supply and maybe even without battery inside?
- in case of a power outage the camera should start again when power returns. There is no one on site that can press a power button.

Some model suggestions or any other hints would be nice.

Thanks,
Robert