An image pickup apparatus captures an image from a subject without a focus-adjusting mechanism. An image pickup element has opposed first and second surfaces and an image region formed in the first surface. An optical system causes the image light from the subject to form an image on the image region. A supporting member has a first abutment portion that engages the optical system with nothing sandwiched therebetween, and a second abutment portion that engages the image pickup element with nothing sandwiched therebetween, thereby accurately positioning the optical system relative to the image pickup element. The second abutment portion abuts an area on the first surface except for the image region. A circuit board is fixed to the supporting member and electrically connected to the image pickup element. The circuit board has an opening formed therein such that the image region is exposed through the opening.