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 400D and Canon A2100 IS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon 400D has external dimensions of 127 x 94 x 65 mm (5 x 3.7 x 2.56″) and weighs 556 g (1.23 lb / 19.61 oz) (including batteries). Canon A2100 IS has external dimensions of 102 x 64 x 32 mm (4.02 x 2.52 x 1.26″) and weighs 185 g (0.41 lb / 6.53 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon 400D and the Canon A2100 IS. Canon A2100 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 25mm narrower, 30mm shorter and 33mm thinner than Canon 400D. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon A2100 IS has a built-in lens but Canon 400D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 400D, its thickness will increase significantly.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon A2100 IS is significantly lighter (371g ) than the Canon 400D 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 400D, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon EOS 400D (EOS Digital Rebel XTi / EOS Kiss Digital X) nor Canon PowerShot A2100 IS 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 Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon A2100 IS's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon 400D's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.