Several implementations relate to depth map coding. In one implementation, a depth coding rate, that results from coding one or more portions of a depth map using a particular coding mode, is determined. The depth map can be used to render video for a different view than that of the depth map. A depth map distortion, that results from coding the one or more portions of the depth map using the particular coding mode, is determined. A value of distortion for the rendered video, based on the depth map distortion and on a particular relationship between the depth map distortion and values of distortion for the rendered video, is determined. It is determined whether to use the particular coding mode to code the one or more portions of the depth map, and the determination is based on the value of distortion for the rendered video and the depth coding rate.