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 D3100 and Fujifilm HS35EXR side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon D3100 has external dimensions of 124 x 96 x 75 mm (4.88 x 3.78 x 2.95″) and weighs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz) (including batteries). Fujifilm HS35EXR has external dimensions of 131 x 97 x 126 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 4.96″) and weighs 687 g (1.51 lb / 24.23 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon D3100 and the Fujifilm HS35EXR. Nikon D3100 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 7mm narrower, 1mm shorter and 51mm thinner than Fujifilm HS35EXR. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Fujifilm HS35EXR has a built-in lens but Nikon D3100 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D3100, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon D3100 and Fujifilm HS35EXR.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon D3100 and Fujifilm HS35EXR.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon D3100 is significantly lighter (182g ) than the Fujifilm HS35EXR 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 D3100, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon D3100 nor Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR 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 DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon D3100 and Fujifilm HS35EXR's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Fujifilm HS35EXR features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Nikon D3100 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to HS35EXR.