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 QX1 and Olympus VR-340 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony QX1 has external dimensions of 74 x 70 x 53 mm (2.91 x 2.76 x 2.09″) and weighs 216 g (0.48 lb / 7.62 oz) (including batteries). Olympus VR-340 has external dimensions of 96 x 57 x 19 mm (3.78 x 2.24 x 0.75″) and weighs 125 g (0.28 lb / 4.41 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Sony QX1 and the Olympus VR-340. Olympus VR-340 is 13mm shorter and 34mm thinner than Sony QX1 but it is also 22mm wider. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Olympus VR-340 has a built-in lens but Sony QX1 doesn't. Once you put a lens on QX1, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Sony QX1 and Olympus VR-340.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Olympus VR-340 is significantly lighter (91g ) than the Sony QX1 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 QX1, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Sony Alpha QX1 nor Olympus VR-340 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
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus VR-340's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Sony QX1's screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.