Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon L31 and Panasonic GH1 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). Panasonic GH1 has external dimensions of 124 x 90 x 45 mm (4.88 x 3.54 x 1.77″) and weighs 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon L31 and Panasonic GH1. Nikon L31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 28mm narrower, 31mm shorter and 16mm thinner than Panasonic GH1. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon L31 has a built-in lens but Panasonic GH1 doesn't. Once you put a lens on GH1, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Panasonic GH1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon L31 and Panasonic GH1.
Top View Comparison image of Nikon L31 and Panasonic GH1 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 (225g ) than the Panasonic GH1 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 GH1, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix L31 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, 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
Panasonic GH1's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon L31's 2.7" screen.
Moreover, Panasonic GH1 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. On the other hand, Nikon L31 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to GH1.