[b]but I wondered if I am likely to find this maximum focal length too restrictive for typical airliner photography[b]
That depends very much on where you normally shoot. My camera goes ” only” to 200mm optical zoom, and where I spot that is sufficient. I spot at AMS, DUS and in the last year spend a lot of time at LHR. At all these airports it is possible to get close to the runway and/or final approach. A large zoom is not required there.
At other airports a longer zoom is required because of buildings/fences/security obstructing views to and near the runway. You will just have to go to your favourite airport(s) and see if it will suffice or not. Maybe you can aks other spotters in the area?
Fact of the matter is, for aviation photography you can never go wrong with a decent DSLR. But they are also less compatible with your mountainclimbing. Having said that, the difference between a DSLR and a high-quality point-and-shoot falling on the rocks is negligable. Both will be damaged substantially.
Many camera’s, both DSLR and compacts, have special cases for added protection against falling. You will have to buy them seperately. While in the store it may also be advisable to talk to the shop keeper about special insurance for your camera.
I’d be very surprised if you really needed 8MP. That would be large enough for huge A1 photos (2 broadsheet paper pages)! That’s a matter of opinion I suppose. Just stay away from digital zoom!
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