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 A800 and Canon SX40 HS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon A800 has external dimensions of 94 x 61 x 31 mm (3.7 x 2.4 x 1.22″) and weighs 186 g (0.41 lb / 6.56 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 A800 and the Canon SX40 HS. Canon A800 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 29mm narrower, 31mm shorter and 77mm thinner than Canon SX40 HS.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon A800 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 A800 is significantly lighter (414g ) than the Canon SX40 HS which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot A800 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 Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SX40 HS's 2.70" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon A800's 2.5" screen.
Moreover, 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. On the other hand, Canon A800 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX40 HS.