A method for operating a time-of-flight camera (20, 20a, 20b) with an illumination device (12, 12a, 12b) and a modulator (30) for emitting modulated
transmitted light (S) is described. p1 , S p1a , S p16 ), as well as with a
photodetector (21, 21a, 21b) for detecting a modulated received light (S p2 , S p2a , S p2b ) specified, the method comprising performing one or more
distance measurement cycles (EMZ) with at least one phase measurement cycle (PMZ, G, Z, F) in which at least two phase measurements (PM) are performed; comprising at least one phase measurement cycle (PMZ, G, Z, F): - the modulation and emission of the
transmitted light (S p1 , S p1a , S p1b ) with a modulation frequency (f G , f Z , f F ); - measuring a phase shift between the
transmitted light (S p1 , S p1a , Sp1b ) and the receiving light (S p2 , S p2a , S p2b ) for each of the phase measurements (PM) of the phase measurement cycle (PMZ, G, Z, F); - determining a distance value based on the measured phase shift; where, after a phase measurement cycle (PMZ, G, Z, F), a detection phase (D) is provided in which no modulated transmitted light (S) is emitted p1 , S p1a , S p1b ) is emitted; where the detection phase (D) is a time interval Δt D fills and where the time interval Δt D is changed after a number N of
distance measurement cycles (EMZ); and wherein an influence by a second illumination device (12b) is detected by a modulated received light (S) during the detection phase (D). BE ) is detected, and a
distance measurement value is determined in each distance measurement cycle (PMC).