Doesn't sound like the A1's lens is great at focusing really close.

Would getting a set of 72mm diopter filters be the best strategy for improving that? [Adorama has a set of Hoya (+1, +2 and +4) for $80 as well as an unbranded set for $50]

Anything I'm not considering? Anything better?

Canon's 500D is a better choice optically speaking.
Greg

Doesn't sound like the A1's lens is great at focusing really close.The minimum focusing distance at full wide angle is twenty millimeters (obviously the lens hood must be removed). That isn't really close? I don't understand.

i don't have an A1, but my other Canon cams do pretty good macro....

i have a set of hoya diopters, and they will get you closer. they work pretty well with my 72mm FX-1, but the image only maintains focus at about +2--maaaaaybe as much as +3, so the idea that these are stackable is a wee bit misleading. it's more hypothetical than actual.

You do lose quite a bit of video quality with the cheap CU lens add-ons' go with the Canon 250D or 500D.
The Canon HV10 would be the ideal macro camcorder for HDV!

Here's a clip with a CHEAP Tiffen 4X close-up 72mm filter with the A1....
http://stevenunez.com/hosted/mantids.mov
Not the best quality- but it'll get you close.