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 A1100 IS and Panasonic G1 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon A1100 IS has external dimensions of 95 x 62 x 31 mm (3.74 x 2.44 x 1.22″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic G1 has external dimensions of 124 x 84 x 45 mm (4.88 x 3.31 x 1.77″) and weighs 360 g (0.79 lb / 12.70 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon A1100 IS and the Panasonic G1. Canon A1100 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 29mm narrower, 22mm shorter and 14mm thinner than Panasonic G1. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon A1100 IS has a built-in lens but Panasonic G1 doesn't. Once you put a lens on G1, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Canon A1100 IS and Panasonic G1.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon A1100 IS is significantly lighter (210g ) than the Panasonic G1 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 G1, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 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
Panasonic G1's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon A1100 IS's 2.5" screen.
Moreover, Panasonic G1 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. On the other hand, Canon A1100 IS has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to G1.