Is the nikon d3100 a better camera than the sony nex3n?

I want a new camera and my budget is around £300 I want an interchangeable lens camera but am not sure which I should get, I'm interested In the Sony nex3n and Nikon d3100 which would be best? Or can you recommend a different camera?

It is hard to say.

The D3100 has an optical viewfinder, so shooting action and sports is much easier since there's no lag between that the sensor sees and what the viewfinder shows you.

The NEX cameras have electronic viewfinders, thus difficult to use when shooting any action.

Look on the Nikon and Sony websites. You will see that Nikon has more choices when it comes to the type lenses they provide.

In your price range, you have picked two good cameras. I don't know if you will be able to find a Canon T3i, but if you can, it too may fit into your budget

Just remember that which ever camera system you buy, you will be married to it for the next couple of decades.

The Nikon's a DSLR - it has the best viewfinder system ever made and there are more, and cheaper lenses available for it.

If you can live with the extra bulk and weight, the best EVIL camera in the world can't touch a DSLR.