An illustrative example method of making a camera (20) includes assembling a plurality of lens elements (28), a sensor (34), and a housing (30) to establish an assembly (22) with each of the lens elements (28) and the sensor (34) at least partially in the housing(30). The assembly (22) is then situated adjacent a circuit board substrate (24). At least the sensor (34) is secured to the circuit board substrate (24) using surface mount technology (SMT) and the assembly (22) becomes fixed relative to the circuit board substrate (24).