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 Olympus SZ-12 and Nikon 1 J3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus SZ-12 has external dimensions of 106 x 69 x 40 mm (4.17 x 2.72 x 1.57″) and weighs 226 g (0.50 lb / 7.97 oz) (including batteries). Nikon 1 J3 has external dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm (3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14″) and weighs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus SZ-12 and the Nikon 1 J3. Nikon 1 J3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 5mm narrower, 8mm shorter and 11mm thinner than Olympus SZ-12. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Olympus SZ-12 has a built-in lens but Nikon 1 J3 doesn't. Once you put a lens on 1 J3, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Olympus SZ-12 and Nikon 1 J3.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon 1 J3 is 25g lighter than the Olympus SZ-12 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
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 1 J3, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Olympus SZ-12 nor Nikon 1 J3 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
Olympus SZ-12 and Nikon 1 J3's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.