Should I install the 1D Mark III software?

I've owned my 1D Mark III for about a week now, but have not installed any of its software. I already have the software I've used for prior models. I use Photoshop CS3, Adobe Bridge, Corel Paint Shop Pro 11, Corel PhotoImpact X3, Zoombrowser 6.11, and a bunch of Photoshop plug-ins like NoiseNinja, Sliver Effex Pro, Color Effex Pro, Portraiture, and some other infrequently used ones. I have Lightroom, which I don't use, but have been meaning to learn. I don't really need the 1D 3's cable sync software; at least I don't think I do. I've been using a card reader and copying the images over via Adobe Bridge.

The prior owner of this camera did provide the original software disks. I also notice the software is available online:

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …rk_iii#DriversA​ndSoftware

The prior owner already updated to the latest firmware. I do notice it's a later version of Zoombrowser, which I actually use. However, with my 20D I never used things like the Canon EOS utilities, the sync software, or the RAW converter. For RAW conversion I use the ACR utility built into Photoshop.

Any other reasons why I might want to install this stuff? I'm using a Windows 7 PC, btw.

You'll need to install EOS Utility, temporarily at least, to be able to change the Owner's Name in the camera. This affects the Camera's EXIF Data since the Owner's Name is used in data fields like "Creator" in Adobe Bridge and Lightroom. You can always make a Metadata Template in Bridge or Preset in Lightroom to overwrite the data field with the correct information but why not get it right up front.

You can also use EOS Utiltiy to sync your camera to your computer's clock. This is more important when shooting with multiple camera bodies and you have a need to arrange your files in the exact sequence they were shot.

Otherwise, if you're happy with your current tools you don't have to install the other Canon applications.

As PixelMagic mentions, the "tethered shooting" capabilities of EOS Utilities is a nice thing to have. Lightroom 3 does offer tethered shooting and works with the 1D3, but is limited in its capabilities to just triggering the shutter, wereas the Canon software can work with Live View to give a realtime view and you can also use Live View focusing. I think it's a good tool to have on hand. Of course, you can also directly connect to your camera for things like downloading directly, doing some ITPC settings, and also uploading custom PIcture Styles to your camera.

As to the editing software Digital Photo Professional (DPP), the key funtions you can consider are with your Raw processing. Even though you have the CS3 ACR and you are happy with it, and you have Lightroom which, if it is LR3 has some very nice upgrades over the CS3 ACR, I find "playing" with DPP quick and for some shoots easy to get good results -- DPP opens a Raw image using the in-camera Picture Styles or, if you like me have Picture Styles set to Neutral with Contrast cranked all the way down DPP has the Picture Styles as presets that you can use to "eyeball" a possible quick conversion. It also has basic controls that are quite effective for quickly manipulating an image, and for quick basic Raw processing it is sometimes all I need. But, for "serious" processing the ACR/Lightroom "engine" has some more sophisticated and powerful tools that I prefer, and especially the upgrades in LR3/CS5 can make a huge difference.

ThomasOwenM wrote in post #12278160
Any other reasons why I might want to install this stuff?

Yes. DPP does a much better raw conversion then ACR 4.6 IMO.