The disclosure relates to a method for the noise optimization of a camera, in particular a handheld thermal imaging camera. Images are captured by means of the camera in at least one method step; at least one movement characteristic variable is detected by means of at least one sensor unit of the camera in at least one method step; and image data of captured images is averaged by means of a computing unit of the camera in at least one method step. At least a number of images to be averaged are determined by means of the computing unit of the camera at least on the basis of an intensity of the detected movement characteristic variable, in particular a change rate, in at least one method step.