CLS...this was my first cut at comparing the three. When evaluating how to test the software I considered how I currently use DPP and thought of three common scenarios: 1. Simply converting from RAW to JPEG; 2. Minor edits to several photos at a time; and, 3. Several adjustments to a single photo at a time trying to make it the best it can be. I choose to test scenario 1 first because I keep hearing that one of the primary differentiators in the software is their RAW conversion engine. I am not sure what I did was the perfect test, as I am still learning about each program, but I am surprised that for scenario 1 of how I have been using DPP, each software performed very differently. I am hoping to play with my other two scenarios later this week, but they are more about the functionality and features of each software.

BTW, another observation. Conversion time from RAW to jpeg on my machine (Win 7 64 bit; AMD Athlon II; 4 core; 3.0 Ghz saving to a Agility 3 SSD) was 6-7 seconds for LR3, 9-10 seconds for DPP and 25-32 seconds for DXO per picture. I am using trial versions of DXO and LR3, if that affects anything.