Best Point & Shoot Digital Camera for Macro?

[pattersn]

Hello - I'm from middle Tennessee, retired, and a user of a manual focus film camera (Minolta X-700 w/many great Tamron lenses). I also have a Canon PowerShot A640 10.0 megapixel point-and-shoot, but I'm disappointed in its macro capabilities.

What do you suggest as to which is the best digital point and shoot camera for macro use? I've read several good reviews of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, but I would love to hear from anybody who has had experience with this camera or could offer information regarding a better alternative. BTW, my macro shots are more of still subjects rather than stalking bugs or moving critters, etc., and shooting videos is not a concern of mine at all.

Also, as I have some great MF Tamron lenses, should I just bite the bullet and spring for a decent Nikon DSLR instead? Lately there have been so many new Nikon DSLR cameras being introduced that I have no clue which would be a very good one with my budget of under $2,000USD (including a couple of good zoom lenses).

I look forward to hearing from you folks!

Regards,
John Patterson