What is an H.264 File

Understanding H.264 Compression
In its basic definition, H.264 can be described as a video file compression mechanism that shrinks the size of the video files while keeping their quality reasonably high. Advanced codecs such as inter-frame prediction, intra-frame prediction, and entropy coding make this easy. Inter-frame prediction is used to avoid duplicating information by looking at the differences of two consecutive frames, while intra-frame prediction goes the other way in trying to only encode single frames into the encoder by extrapolating patterns that repeat. The categorical data is other than or equal to zero. We add this compression in order to reduce the volume of compressed data to the minimum possible level.

Some salient features of H.264
High Efficiency: Compared to the previous standard such as MPEG-2 or H.263, H.264 provides a higher level of compression efficiency. This means that when stored, videos will need less disk space, and videos will also require less bandwidth when being sent over networks. This feature is very beneficial in the circumstances where storage space and bandwidth is less.

Scalability: video compressing standard that is capable of compressing video ranging from the lowest mobile video resolution all the way to high and ultra-high definition that is used by both professional and consumer grade cameras. This also means that H.264 is usable for many different requirements ranging from ordinary web cams to advanced and complex surveillance apparatuses.

Robustness: A feature of H.264 is that it improves the robustness of a video stream in the sense that packets are less likely to be lost and a more reliable stream is achievable. This is very beneficial for real time video/audi o applications like video and internet telephone.

Versatility: It complements a number of devices and software including cameras, smart phones, computers, set-top boxes etc. Such wide compatibility means that H.264 videos can be easily produced, modified and played on different platforms.

Application in Cameras
With regard to cameras, the implications of H.264 are crucial to improvement of both video recording and its transmission. 

Surveillance Cameras: Surveillance cameras usually require the ability to record and transmit video over prolonged periods. Thanks to H.264 compression, these cameras are able to record much more video data on their local storage and transmit very high quality video streams over networks at minimal bandwidth. This assists in the retention of great footage for security and observation purposes without losing much detail.

Action Cameras: Action cameras which are used in sports and other adventure activities are able to enjoy H.264 due to its high compression efficiency. These cameras usually come with limited storage capabilities, but with H.264 users are guaranteed extended periods of recording high quality video without exhausting storage space.

Professional Camcorders: It is a known fact that camcorders used in film and television production should produce high quality videos and compress them to a minimum in order to allow for post production and distribution. This extremely well-balanced format is usually favored H264 video format in most cases.