Enhancing macro function on the A1
 

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

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.