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-M10 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-M10 has external dimensions of 119 x 82 x 46 mm (4.69 x 3.24 x 1.81″) and weighs 396 g (0.87 lb / 13.97 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-M10. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 23mm narrower, 23mm shorter and 17mm thinner than Olympus E-M10. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L31 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-M10 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-M10, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Olympus E-M10 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Olympus E-M10.
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Olympus E-M10 Size and Weight - Back View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Olympus E-M10.
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Olympus E-M10 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 (236g ) than the Olympus E-M10 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-M10, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Olympus OM-D E-M10 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 Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus E-M10's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon L31's 2.7" screen.
In addition to the size advantage, Olympus E-M10 LCD screen also has a
Tilting feature where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels. On the other hand, Nikon L31 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to E-M10.