An image capture system for, and method of, reading an optical code, includes an imager module for capturing image data over a field of view in successive frames, an aiming assembly for generating an aiming pattern in the field of view, and an aiming controller for enabling generation of the aiming pattern during image data capture of one of the frames, and for disabling generation of the aiming pattern during image data capture of another successive frame. The aiming controller is further operative for enhancing visibility of the aiming pattern to the human eye and to the imager module by pulsing the aiming pattern during image data capture of said one frame.