A camera for detecting an object in a detection zone is provided that has an image sensor for recording image data, a reception optics having a focus adjustment unit for setting a focal position, a distance sensor for measuring a distance value from the object, and a control and evaluation unit connected to the distance sensor and the focus adjustment unit to set a focal position in dependence on the distance value, and to determine a distance value with the distance sensor via a variable measurement duration that is predefined in dependence on a provisional distance value such that a measurement error of the distance value and thus, on a recording of image data of the object, a focus deviation of the set focal position from an ideal focal position remains small enough for a required image sharpness of the image data.