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 Panasonic FZ47 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). Panasonic FZ47 has external dimensions of 120 x 80 x 92 mm (4.72 x 3.15 x 3.62″) and weighs 498 g (1.10 lb / 17.57 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon 400D and the Panasonic FZ47. Panasonic FZ47 is 7mm narrower and 14mm shorter than Canon 400D but it is also 27mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic FZ47 has a built-in lens but Canon 400D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 400D, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon 400D and Panasonic FZ47.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic FZ47 is 58g lighter than the Canon 400D 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 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 (Lumix DMC-FZ48) 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
Panasonic FZ47'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.