Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V or the Nikon D3100?

I'm in a bit of a pickle, i'm not sure whether to get the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V or the Nikon D3100

Eat your pickle and buy the Nikon. The Nikon is a D-SLR, a camera that you can grow with. The Sony is a bridge camera. You can't change the lens with the Sony. It's a nice camera, but has much more limited use.

The d3100 is a DSLR and therefore has a much larger (and better) sensor than the hx200v. Any DSLR will beat a compact/bridge camera in terms of quality. Using a DSLR requires some knowledge though, it's not always just 'point and click'. Also, in the long term, you will be spending more money on your DSLR (buying new lenses). The d3100 is a great camera though if you are willing to learn how to use it. If you're going for portability and easy-to-use features though, just go with the Sony.

Sony will be more user friendly etc

Personally any day of the week I would take a two thirds camera

Exp: Sony NEX series

Nikon J1. Excellent, complete happiness

Check out sensor size difference here: http://www.digicamdb.com/compare/sony_cybershot-dsc-hx200v-vs-nikon_d3100/

As you can see the difference is huge: 1150%. These are two very different classes of cameras (compact/bridge vs. DSLR).

It all depends on what you want. If you want great image quality, creative freedom and you're somewhat serious and willing to learn about photography, then go for Nikon D3100.

If you want easy to use, more or less point and click portable camera with more advanced controls than point & shoot cameras, then I guess Sony will do.

My advice: Get a DSLR. You'll never look back.