Here's some info on the close-up lens: the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Canon-500D-Close-up-Lens-Review.aspx

But yes it's almost like a filter you put on the end of the lens to allow a closer focusing distance.

I basically follow vimeo's guidelines for uploading HD (export h.264 at something like 8-10 mbits/second at 720p). I think the quality comes from the camera/lens, and the fact that there's a really shallow DOF so it makes it look even sharper.

I do the same but my computer can't handle the quality so I have a bunch of completed videos sitting on my desktop! Do you know if its the ram, harddrive space, etc?
Much appreciated