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 Nikon L21 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). Nikon L21 has external dimensions of 92 x 67 x 28 mm (3.62 x 2.64 x 1.1″) and weighs 169 g (0.37 lb / 5.96 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon 400D and the Nikon L21. Nikon L21 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 35mm narrower, 27mm shorter and 37mm thinner than Canon 400D. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L21 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.
Nikon L21 is significantly lighter (387g ) 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 Nikon Coolpix L21 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 400D and Nikon L21's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.50 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.