Adding HEIF and HEIC file formats for rendering

The HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) is an excellent option for rendering in Blender due to several key advantages:

1. High Compression Efficiency: HEIF uses advanced compression algorithms (such as those found in HEVC - High Efficiency Video Coding) to reduce file size without compromising on image quality. This results in smaller file sizes compared to traditional formats like JPEG or PNG, which is particularly beneficial for managing storage space and speeding up file transfers.

2. Support for Higher Bit Depths: HEIF supports higher bit depths (up to 16 bits per channel), which allows for more detailed and accurate color representation. This is crucial for rendering high-quality images with smooth gradients and less banding, especially in scenes with subtle lighting variations.

3. Multiple Image Storage: HEIF can store multiple images within a single file. This is useful for storing image sequences, such as those used in animations, or different render passes (like diffuse, specular, and ambient occlusion) within a single container, making it easier to manage and organize assets.

4. Metadata and Auxiliary Data: HEIF files can include extensive metadata and auxiliary data, such as depth maps, alpha channels, and thumbnails. This is beneficial for Blender users who need to store additional information along with the image, facilitating more complex workflows and post-processing operations.

5. Lossless and Lossy Compression: HEIF supports both lossless and lossy compression. Users can choose the appropriate compression method based on their quality requirements and storage constraints. Lossless compression ensures that no image data is lost, which is important for high-fidelity renders.

6. Wide Range of Applications: Due to its versatility, HEIF is suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple image storage to complex visual effects and virtual reality content. This makes it a flexible choice for various stages of the rendering pipeline in Blender.

7. Adoption and Compatibility: As HEIF gains more widespread adoption and support across different platforms and software, its compatibility with other tools and applications used alongside Blender increases. This improves workflow efficiency and interoperability.

By leveraging these advantages, Blender users can benefit from improved image quality, reduced file sizes, and enhanced workflow capabilities when using the HEIF format for rendering.