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 SX30 IS and Canon 1200D side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX30 IS has external dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25″) and weighs 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) (including batteries). Canon 1200D has external dimensions of 130 x 100 x 78 mm (5.12 x 3.94 x 3.07″) and weighs 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX30 IS and the Canon 1200D. Canon SX30 IS is 7mm narrower and 8mm shorter than Canon 1200D but it is also 30mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX30 IS has a built-in lens but Canon 1200D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 1200D, 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 1200D is significantly lighter (121g ) than the Canon SX30 IS 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 1200D, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS nor Canon EOS 1200D (EOS Rebel T5 / EOS Kiss X70) 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 Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon 1200D's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon SX30 IS's 2.7" screen.
On the other hand, Canon SX30 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, Canon 1200D has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX30 IS.