I think it would be nice to have the IS feature, in the Canon. I know it works great.

If you're having focus problems with close-ups, it might be the way you're shooting. Every camera has a minimum focus distance. If your'e too close, it won't focus. Check your manual to find out how close you can get and if there are suggestions for you to shoot close up photos. A tripod helps, too. Make sure to use the macro mode for really close photos.