We analyze new/archival VLT/NaCo and Gemini/NICI high-contrast imaging of the young, self-luminous planet beta Pictoris b in seven near-to-mid IR photometric filters, using advanced image processing methods to achieve high signal-to-noise, high precision measurements. While beta Pic b's near-IR colors mimic those of a standard, cloudy early-to-mid L dwarf, it is overluminous in the mid-infrared compared to the field L/T dwarf sequence. Few substellar/planet-mass objects-i.e., kappa And b and 1RXJ 1609B-match beta Pic b's JHK(s)L' photometry and its 3.1 mu m and 5 mu m photometry are particularly difficult to reproduce. Atmosphere models adopting cloud prescriptions and large (similar to 60 mu m) dust grains fail to reproduce the beta Pic b spectrum. However, models incorporating thick clouds similar to those found for HR 8799 bcde, but also with small (a few microns) modal particle sizes, yield fits consistent with the data within the uncertainties. Assuming solar abundance models, thick clouds, and small dust particles (< a > = 4 mu m), we derive atmosphere parameters of log(g) = 3.8 +/- 0.2 and T-eff = 1575-1650 K, an inferred mass of 7(-3)(+4) M-J, and a luminosity of log(L/L-circle dot) similar to -3.80 +/- 0.02. The best-estimated planet radius, approximate to 1.65 +/- 0.06 R-J, is near the upper end of allowable planet radii for hot-start models given the host star's age and likely reflects challenges constructing accurate atmospheric models. Alternatively, these radii are comfortably consistent with hot-start model predictions if beta Pic b is younger than approximate to 7 Myr, consistent with a late formation well after its host star's birth similar to 12(-4)(+8) Myr ago.