Looking at the new Sony DSC-R1

[dustindementia]

I am looking at purchasing a new camera. I don't have a lot of money and I am split between getting the new Sony R1 or the Canon 20D.

Can somebody help me make a decision?

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DSCR1&Dept=cameras&CategoryName=dcc_DIDigitalCameras_CybershotProDigi talCameras

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=10464

:embarasse

[Digigenic]

Well, I believe the 20D has a significant set of advantages at a not so signficant increase in price over the R1.
Sony's R1, which has been respectfully reviewed by Camera Labs (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/SonyR1/) and DP Review (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscr1/) has shown it's definitely a strong camera, but it lacks certain elements of versatility that can be had with a DSLR. Then again, the R1 makes up for it in other areas of innovation. IMO, the weakest point of the R1 is in its speed, it's rather slow compared to any DSLR, there's no disputing that. However, if speed of operation isn't a concern for you, then everything else about the camera, it's 10MP APS CMOS sensor, innovative design with EVF/LCD monitor, and it's super high quality Zeiss optics are very attractive features. It's often said the lens of the R1 is worth the price of admission alone. On the other hand, Canon offers fine lenses with their DSLRs, but this is where the cost of investing in a DSLR system could become an issue.
Also, PMA is next month, if you can wait a little longer, you might find some of the camera announcements there to be of some interest to you.

[dustindementia]

Thanks Digigenic.

I am still on the fence though. They are both great cameras.
I have been using the F707 for 5 years now and the speed is an isssue so I may be closer to getting the D20. Do you think Canon will anounce a replacement for the D20 next month? Something in between the D5 and D20?

I heard that the D5 lacks weather seals. Does the D20 have them?
Is it important?

[Digigenic]

I don't know for certain if Canon will announce a replacement for the 20D at PMA or not, but the expectations are pretty high.
Info. will likely leak out a week in advance of PMA.
So far, speculation concerning the 20D successor has covered everything the Nikon D200 has, give or take a feature or two. It is entirely possible it could offer a killer feature that turns the Nikon on its head. Then again, it can't be too groundbreaking, or it will damage potential sales of the 5D, which it is likely to do anyway - unless the 5D sees a price reduction of about 500 bucks; another likely scenario.
Keep your eyes open for other announcements as well, the R1 should see competition from Canon and Nikon pretty soon as they are expected to announce successors to their Pro1 and CP8800 models, and there might even be another full frame from Canon, maybe one from Nikon, or Fuji...other cams as well, lots of interesting things could happen.
Edit to add: no, the 20D does not have weather seals.