Sony HX200V vs Nikon D3100? Which is better?

I'm on a budget and have decided to buy a camera, but i'm confused whether to buy the D3100 or the HX200V… I know the fact that one is a DSLR and the other is not but all i'm looking for is Good quality images, videos.

In your research did you happen to notice that the Sony is a P&S camera with a tiny sensor and that the D3100 is a fully adjustable dSLR?

Here is how the sensor sizes compare

http://cameraimagesensor.com/size/#157, 31, a

For that reason, the D3100 is the best choice

The D3100 like other dSLR cameras use interchangeable lenses and give the user full control over the shutter speed and lens aperture.

For quality go for SONY always. I owned sony.

Sony's Alpha-series SLTs compete directly with Nikon's DSLRs (and those of Canon and Pentax) but do better video.

If you want a DSLR, look at (and handle) DSLRs before making your final choice.

If you want a bridge camera, look at bridge cameras (Panasonic's Lumix and the various Fujifilm models would figure higher on my list than the nice, but expensive, Sony).

Don't compare Minis and Ferraris.

Sony is built on the old Minolta film camera. Nikon has been making quality merchandise since before I had my first camera (14) and now at 71 they are stronger than ever. They also stand behind their product better. There's no comparison on name only never mind feature vs feature!

Nikon D3100 is the best camera to buy.

The Nikon will have better image quality if you pixel peep a lot. It has an interchangeable lens system, so you can tailor the lens to the job.

The downside to all that is the size, weight, and bulk of carrying multiple lenses and a bag or backpack to hold it all, if all you require is a pocket size camera.

The Sony has a small sensor, but built in zoom that would cost you a fortune to duplicate on the Nikon (multiple lenses, thousands of dollars), and it takes decent if not spectacular photos. It is also pretty darn small for a zoom range like that, but it is not a pocket camera either.

Nothing wrong with the Sony if it fits your needs.

EDIT: NickP, the Sony in question is a bridge camera, not an SLR. Minolta has nothing to do with it. Sony was in that game long before they bought the Minolta camera line, and they only kept the SLR models. Bashing a brand over a VCR warranty is getting old.

Nikon D3100