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 Sony NEX-5T 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). Sony NEX-5T has external dimensions of 111 x 59 x 39 mm (4.36 x 2.31 x 1.53″) and weighs 276 g (0.61 lb / 9.74 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX30 IS and the Sony NEX-5T. Sony NEX-5T is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 12mm narrower, 33mm shorter and 69mm 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 Sony NEX-5T doesn't. Once you put a lens on NEX-5T, 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.
Sony NEX-5T is significantly lighter (325g ) 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 NEX-5T, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS nor Sony Alpha NEX-5T 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
Sony NEX-5T's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon SX30 IS's 2.7" screen.