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 Olympus E-PL8 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). Olympus E-PL8 has external dimensions of 115 x 67 x 38 mm (4.53 x 2.64 x 1.5″) and weighs 357 g (0.79 lb / 12.59 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and the Olympus E-PL8. Olympus XZ-2 iHS is 2mm narrower and 2mm shorter than Olympus E-PL8 but it is also 10mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a built-in lens but Olympus E-PL8 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-PL8, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Olympus E-PL8.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Olympus XZ-2 iHS is 11g lighter than the Olympus E-PL8 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-PL8, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Olympus XZ-2 iHS nor Olympus PEN E-PL8 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 Olympus E-PL8'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.