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 Nikon D4 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). Nikon D4 has external dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58″) and weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX30 IS and the Nikon D4. Canon SX30 IS is 37mm narrower and 65mm shorter than Nikon D4 but it is also 17mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX30 IS has a built-in lens but Nikon D4 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D4, 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 SX30 IS is significantly lighter (739g ) than the Nikon D4 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 D4, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Thanks to the weather-sealed body of the D4, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the SX30 IS.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon D4's 3.20" 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, Nikon D4 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX30 IS.