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 S31 and Panasonic G2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S31 has external dimensions of 105 x 65 x 42 mm (4.13 x 2.56 x 1.65″) and weighs 185 g (0.41 lb / 6.53 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic G2 has external dimensions of 124 x 84 x 74 mm (4.88 x 3.31 x 2.91″) and weighs 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon S31 and the Panasonic G2. Nikon S31 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 19mm narrower, 19mm shorter and 32mm thinner than Panasonic G2. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon S31 has a built-in lens but Panasonic G2 doesn't. Once you put a lens on G2, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S31 and Panasonic G2.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon S31 is significantly lighter (243g ) than the Panasonic G2 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 G2, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Thanks to the weather-sealed body of the S31, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the G2.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic G2's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon S31's 2.7" screen.
Moreover, Panasonic G2 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 S31 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to G2.