Abstract: A depth map image, unlike a texture view, has smooth regions without complex texture and abrupt changes of pixel value at the object edges. While conventional Inter-prediction skip mode is very efficient for coding texture views, it does not include any Intra-prediction capability, which can be very efficient for coding smooth regions. The hybrid prediction skip mode according to the presently claimed invention includes an Inter-prediction Skip mode coupled with various Intra-prediction modes. The selection of the prediction mode is made by computing a Side Match Distortion (SMD) for the prediction modes. Because no additional overhead indicator bit is required and that the bitstream syntax is not altered, high coding efficiency is maintained and the coding scheme for coding depth maps in accordance to the presently disclosed invention can be implemented easily as an extension to existing standards.