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 XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic GF8 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus XZ-2 iHS has external dimensions of 113 x 65 x 48 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 1.89″) and weighs 346 g (0.76 lb / 12.20 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic GF8 has external dimensions of 107 x 65 x 33 mm (4.21 x 2.56 x 1.3″) and weighs 266 g (0.59 lb / 9.38 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and the Panasonic GF8. Olympus XZ-2 iHS has the same height with Panasonic GF8. On the other hand, with a width of 113mm, it is 6 wider and also with a thickness of 48mm, it is 15mm thicker than Panasonic GF8. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a built-in lens but Panasonic GF8 doesn't. Once you put a lens on GF8, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic GF8.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic GF8 is significantly lighter (80g ) than the Olympus XZ-2 iHS 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 GF8, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Olympus XZ-2 iHS nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 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 XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic GF8's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Both cameras feature
Tilting screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels.