Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon SX720 HS and Sony a5100 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX720 HS has external dimensions of 110 x 64 x 36 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.42″) and weighs 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz) (including batteries). Sony a5100 has external dimensions of 110 x 63 x 36 mm (4.33 x 2.48 x 1.42″) and weighs 283 g (0.62 lb / 9.98 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX720 HS and the Sony a5100. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX720 HS has a built-in lens but Sony a5100 doesn't. Once you put a lens on a5100, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Canon SX720 HS and Sony a5100.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon SX720 HS and Sony a5100.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon SX720 HS is 13g lighter than the Sony a5100 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on a5100, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS nor Sony Alpha a5100 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SX720 HS and Sony a5100's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Sony a5100 features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Canon SX720 HS has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to a5100.