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 SX20 IS and Nikon D7000 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX20 IS has external dimensions of 128 x 88 x 87 mm (5.04 x 3.46 x 3.43″) and weighs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) (including batteries). Nikon D7000 has external dimensions of 132 x 105 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.13 x 3.03″) and weighs 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX20 IS and the Nikon D7000. Canon SX20 IS is 4mm narrower and 17mm shorter than Nikon D7000 but it is also 10mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX20 IS has a built-in lens but Nikon D7000 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D7000, 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 SX20 IS is significantly lighter (180g ) than the Nikon D7000 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 D7000, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Thanks to the weather-sealed body of the D7000, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the SX20 IS.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon D7000's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon SX20 IS's 2.5" screen.
On the other hand, Canon SX20 IS 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, Nikon D7000 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX20 IS.