Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=501019

I'd vote for a Sony 717 too. Though I have got one of these so I'm biased. It's got a reasonable macro mode, but one of its other strengths is you can buy screw on lens attachements. I've used a +4 close up for some of my macro shots, which is tricky to use some times because the autofocus doesn't work so well, but with a little practise you can get some nice results. And as its now an old model, you may be able to find one on offer somewhere if you shop around.

See the attached link for an example of a Sony DSC 717 using the internal flash and a +4 close up lens (and one obliging insect).

A "Prosumer" camera like the Sony 717, 828 or Nikon 5700 is a good compromise between a point and click digi camera and a full digital SLR. I've gone for a prosumer first to see how well I take to this whole thing, and once I'm sufficiently into this lark I'll probably upgrade to a Digital SLR, and will have learnt enough along the way to make the choice of which one much easier :P

Which ever route you go though will have to be justified by yourself on cash vs results. Something thats hard to do in a shop sometimes. So take your time choosing and weigh up the pros and cons of each choice.