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 Samsung ST700 and Canon 500D side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Samsung ST700 has external dimensions of 99 x 55 x 20 mm (3.9 x 2.17 x 0.79″) and weighs (including batteries). Canon 500D has external dimensions of 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 2.44″) and weighs 520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Samsung ST700 and the Canon 500D. Samsung ST700 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 30mm narrower, 43mm shorter and 42mm thinner than Canon 500D. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Samsung ST700 has a built-in lens but Canon 500D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 500D, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Samsung ST700 and Canon 500D.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Samsung ST700 and Canon 500D.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Samsung ST700 is 520g lighter than the Canon 500D 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 500D, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Samsung ST700 nor Canon EOS 500D (EOS Rebel T1i / EOS Kiss X3) 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 DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Samsung ST700 and Canon 500D'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.