Sony FX5 has a
16.0MP Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Bionz XR2 processor. On the other hand, Nikon D3X has a
25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed processor.
Nikon D3X's sensor provides 9MP more than Sony FX5's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the FX5 and D3X sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony FX5 and Nikon D3X Cameras
Sony FX5 and Nikon D3X have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Sony FX5
or the
Nikon D3X ,
including hyperfocal distance.