Non-SLR for macro-shots?

[Veronis]

I called Canon and asked what the best non-SLR camera for macros was. I don't have $1000+ to shell out for an SLR camera + good macro lens, so I need to start off slightly smaller the SX's look pretty promising.

They told me that the Powershot SX1, SX10, or G10/11 would probably take the best macro shots - one person said the SX10 would take the best macros because its shots are slightly better quality than the SX1, but another person at Canon said the SX1 would take the best macros due to RAW and the CMOS sensor. I don't know how important RAW is to a macro shot, but here's the breakdown.

The SX1 has a CMOS sensor and can record in RAW, and has a "super macro mode". ~$500.
The SX10 has a CCD sensor and cannot record in RAW, but also has the "super macro mode". ~$400.
- I should note that the SX1/SX10 CMOS/CCD sensors are exactly the same size.
Both SX's above can have attached the Raynox DCR-250 macro filter with a lensmate adapter (sample macros (http://lensmate.zenfolio.com/p510483380/h20562d2b#h20562d2b)).

Anyone have any input here?

[m_ove]

The SX10 has a CCD sensor and cannot record in RAW, but also has the "super macro mode". ~$400.
- I should note that the SX1/SX10 CMOS/CCD sensors are exactly the same size.


Not quiet true, you can install CHDK http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK on the Sx10 and then it will allow you to shoot in RAW, I used this and found it to take some really nice pictures.

[Jon]

RAW is probably one of the less-important criteria. Check the A70 Super-Macro (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50124) thread for an idea of what you can do with even a "basic" P&S camera and the right accessories.

[Techuser]

You're much better server with a superzoom plus close-up filter than the supermacro mode of any compact, I dont ever used macro mode again after I got the filter