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 Panasonic GF3 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). Panasonic GF3 has external dimensions of 108 x 67 x 32 mm (4.25 x 2.64 x 1.26″) and weighs 264 g (0.58 lb / 9.31 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX30 IS and the Panasonic GF3. Panasonic GF3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 15mm narrower, 25mm shorter and 76mm thinner than Canon SX30 IS. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX30 IS has a built-in lens but Panasonic GF3 doesn't. Once you put a lens on GF3, 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.
Panasonic GF3 is significantly lighter (337g ) 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 GF3, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 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 Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic GF3'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, Panasonic GF3 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX30 IS.