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 Olympus E-30 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). Olympus E-30 has external dimensions of 142 x 108 x 75 mm (5.59 x 4.25 x 2.95″) and weighs 695 g (1.53 lb / 24.52 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-30. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 46mm narrower, 49mm shorter and 46mm thinner than Olympus E-30. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L31 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-30 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-30, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-30 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Olympus E-30.
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-30 Size and Weight - Back View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Olympus E-30.
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the the Olympus E-30 Size
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 (535g ) than the Olympus E-30 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 E-30, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Olympus E-30 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 Olympus E-30's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.70 inches.
On the other hand, Olympus E-30 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. Nikon L31's LCD screen is a fixed type which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to E-30.