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 1100D and Canon SX40 HS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon 1100D has external dimensions of 130 x 100 x 78 mm (5.12 x 3.94 x 3.07″) and weighs 495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz) (including batteries). Canon SX40 HS has external dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25″) and weighs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon 1100D and the Canon SX40 HS. Canon SX40 HS is 7mm narrower and 8mm shorter than Canon 1100D but it is also 30mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX40 HS has a built-in lens but Canon 1100D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 1100D, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Canon 1100D and Canon SX40 HS.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon 1100D and Canon SX40 HS.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon 1100D is significantly lighter (105g ) than the Canon SX40 HS which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
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 1100D, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon EOS 1100D (EOS Rebel T3 / EOS Kiss X50) nor Canon PowerShot SX40 HS 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 DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon 1100D and Canon SX40 HS's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.70 inches.
On the other hand, Canon SX40 HS sports a
Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. Canon 1100D's LCD screen is a fixed type which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX40 HS.