Macro lenses are designed for close-ups of small subjects such as
insects, flowers, and other natural objects, as well as for flat,
inanimate objects such as stamps and coins.

I find it's much easier to take such close-up shots
with a P&S rather than an SLR.
A)No need for an expensive macro lens.
B)You could preview on the LCD with the camera close to the object.
Thus, no need for a big heavy lens or a tripod.  Also, you could
see what else is happening all around.
C)using an SLR, the Flash's light is much farther from the subject
than on the P&S.  Thus, the light will not reach or go above the
object.
Using a P&S, you have to increase the shutter speed to 1/1000
or decrease the exp.comp. to -2 otherwise the photo will be
over exposed.
D)I dont see a need for a macro lens as using a zoom lens
you could take the same pics.
E)Macro lenses are more suitable for studio photography.
If I were using an SLR with a macro there is no way I could've
taken these shots of the turtle.  I held my camera
with one hand infront of its face.

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