A DS scene (as opposed to a figure or prop) contains render settings, just like a poser file.
The result I obtained were using the vendors settings.  I made no changes to scene except for camera settings.

At your level of expertise, you should not be using render passes.  That is the fastest way to totally screwing up render.
Also avoid using progressive render option.  I don't know if they have fixed the major faults with it yet, but not too long ago
it would cause application and system crashes.  Yes, it sort of gives a quick preview but at a cost.  Also it is not suitable
for final renders.