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 Sony HX80 and Olympus E-PM2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony HX80 has external dimensions of 102 x 58 x 36 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.42″) and weighs 245 g (0.54 lb / 8.64 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-PM2 has external dimensions of 110 x 64 x 34 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.34″) and weighs 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Sony HX80 and the Olympus E-PM2. Sony HX80 is 8mm narrower and 6mm shorter than Olympus E-PM2 but it is also 2mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Sony HX80 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-PM2 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-PM2, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Sony HX80 and Olympus E-PM2.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Sony HX80 is 24g lighter than the Olympus E-PM2 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 E-PM2, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 nor Olympus PEN E-PM2 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
Sony HX80 and Olympus E-PM2's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Sony HX80 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 Olympus E-PM2 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to HX80.