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 P7100 and Canon ELPH 500 HS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P7100 has external dimensions of 116 x 77 x 48 mm (4.57 x 3.03 x 1.89″) and weighs 395 g (0.87 lb / 13.93 oz) (including batteries). Canon ELPH 500 HS has external dimensions of 101 x 56 x 25 mm (3.98 x 2.2 x 0.98″) and weighs 185 g (0.41 lb / 6.53 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon P7100 and the Canon ELPH 500 HS. Canon ELPH 500 HS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 15mm narrower, 21mm shorter and 23mm thinner than Nikon P7100.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P7100 and Canon ELPH 500 HS.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon ELPH 500 HS is significantly lighter (210g ) than the Nikon P7100 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix P7100 nor Canon ELPH 500 HS (IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S) 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
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon ELPH 500 HS's 3.20" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon P7100's 3 screen.
On the other hand, Nikon P7100 LCD screen 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, Canon ELPH 500 HS has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to P7100.