An approach is presented for a lensless imaging camera wherein image formation is implemented in software image processing operations rather than by means of a lens. The image formation operations are coordinated with an array of micro-optical elements that impose light diffraction. The array of micro-optical elements can comprise one or more micro-optic layers, and micro-optic layers can be configured so that different portions of the micro-optic layer affect light in different ways. The image formation operation can include deconvolution based on an impulse response determined by the array of micro-optical elements which can be configured to produce a desired spatial light intensity pattern on the array of photosensors so as to optimize detection characteristics. The image formation operation can comprise include frequency-domain division operations, and the system can be configured to avoid division by zero values of the frequency-domain impulse response of the array of micro-optical elements.