howmanypigginnamesdoitry wrote:
So I will be trying DPP out and directly comparing it as best I can with LR's demosaicing.
I do think your own perception is the best tool to use for such assessment, since it's all about what looks good to you.
Granted, if you're a pro, your clients may not agree about what looks the best.
For a time, I used DxO as Lr front-end too - it can produce linear DNGs with lens corrections that are superior to Lr, IMO. And, if you're not pixel peeping, DxO renderings are often just as pleasing as Lr. Actually, for a short time, I would process every photo in every raw converter I could get my hands on. Although very time consuming, you certainly get a feel for differences. And often, even a cheap dcraw-based converter does an equally fine job as an expensive proprietary converter (or mfr software) - it's the high ISO photos, and those with challenging highlights etc... - where one may shine over another.
And truth-betold, if quality were your only concern, it would still be optimal to process every photo in every raw converter on the planet before deciding - but who has that kinda time? So, as you've said, at some point it's time to create an efficient workflow, and stick to it (at least for a while). You can always process special photos or trouble cases using exceptional means...
Enjoy!
Rob