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-PL1s 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-PL1s has external dimensions of 115 x 72 x 42 mm (4.53 x 2.83 x 1.65″) and weighs 334 g (0.74 lb / 11.78 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-PL1s. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 19mm narrower, 13mm shorter and 13mm thinner than Olympus E-PL1s. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L31 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-PL1s doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-PL1s, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-PL1s Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon L31 and Olympus E-PL1s.
Comparison image of the Nikon L31 and the Olympus E-PL1s Size and Weight - Back View
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 (174g ) than the Olympus E-PL1s 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-PL1s, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Olympus PEN E-PL1s 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
Nikon L31 and Olympus E-PL1s'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.