Low-power MIRC operates over wide range of ambient temperatures without needing thermoelectric cooling or choppers. Micro IR camera has 120 x 160 focal plane array of amorphous-silicon microbolometers with 19,200 elements that absorb 80% of incident thermal energy in 8-12 micron spectral range. Digital signal processor interprets image data, corrects for temperature offset and gain, and compares data with calibration information stored in memory. System outputs via A/D converter to RS485 link and sends analog video to LCD or digital display via RS170 serial connection.