Macro mode ?
 

Is Macro mode useful? Given the magnification and minimum focus specs, it seems to function only reduce camera shake by letting you get closer albeit at a lower magnification. The spec sheet shows that the normal minimum focus distance is 800mm but in Macro mode, 735mm at the tele end and 50mm at the wide end. 50mm*14x = 700mm . So, the min. focus distance is reduced from 800mm to 700mm at best (735mm at worst). This doesn't seem to be very useful for macro videography, as I found out in trying to use it.

Are there any solutions other than using a close-up lens converter? I have the Canon 500D with a 77mm filter thread, though apparently, the 250D would probably be better for this camera. Is anyone doing this ?

"Canon Close-up lenses are for quick and easy close-up photography. The close-up lens is screwed on to the front of a lens like a filter. Close-up lenses 250D and 500D have two achromatic elements to correct chromatic aberrations. They do not degrade the high optical performance of EF lenses. Close-up lens 500 has only one element, making it more affordable.

The 250D is suited for lenses with a focal length anywhere from 30 to 135mm. The 500D and 500 are geared for lenses with a focal length anywhere from 70 to 300mm. "

Gints, I don't know if that equation shows anything that isn't already stated. The minimum on the long end is much farther, but in macro mode at 25mm I can pretty much focus to the front element. At the wide end if the minimum is actually 50mm, that would make sense. 50mm from the witness mark on the body is near the front of the lens. Macro work is based around subject size relative to image size (on the sensor), and I was very impressed with how well the stock lens does this although only below 25mm.

Macro is very useful for focal lengths not greater than 25mm.

Yeah, I was hoping for more magnification. My first test with the EX1 was to record my aquarium, but the reproduction ratio wasn't as high as I would have liked. And, the problem is worse in that I have to shoot wide open to get enough light, so my DOF was narrow as can be. Anyway, the shooting conditions (small subjects, low light, motion) were demanding.