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 Nikon L31 and Canon 1100D side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon L31 has external dimensions of 96 x 59 x 29 mm (3.78 x 2.32 x 1.14″) and weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) (including batteries). Canon 1100D has external dimensions of 130 x 100 x 78 mm (5.12 x 3.94 x 3.07″) and weighs 495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Canon 1100D. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 34mm narrower, 41mm shorter and 49mm thinner than Canon 1100D. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L31 has a built-in lens but Canon 1100D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 1100D, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Canon 1100D.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Canon 1100D.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon L31 is significantly lighter (335g ) than the Canon 1100D 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 1100D, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Canon EOS 1100D (EOS Rebel T3 / EOS Kiss X50) 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 Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon L31 and Canon 1100D's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.70 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.