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 Panasonic FX48 and Nikon D3100 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FX48 has external dimensions of 95 x 53 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.09 x 0.87″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). 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).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Nikon D3100. Panasonic FX48 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 29mm narrower, 43mm shorter and 53mm thinner than Nikon D3100. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic FX48 has a built-in lens but Nikon D3100 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D3100, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Nikon D3100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Nikon D3100.
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Nikon D3100 Size and Weight - Back View
Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic FX48 is significantly lighter (355g ) than the Nikon D3100 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 (Lumix DMC-FX40) nor Nikon D3100 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 DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon D3100's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FX48's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.