I am shopping around for a camera that can see clearly about 1/2 mile to a mile away without zoom. I also need it to be digitally stabilized. Any suggestions? Also, is there any problem with mounting a camera so i has to look through a prop?

Try looking at the Lumix models...

as for through the prop, I would have to think that the prop would give a variation to the pic while spinning... unless youcould have the camera timed to click through the "gap" as it rotates...

Ken

Mount the camera on the wing so that is does not look through the prop. How far will a camer see ?? Even a cheap camera in space will see hundreds of miles, a cheap arse camera high up will also see a LONG LONG way, how can you ask how far a camera will see ??? your question is all wrong...

You'll have to look at the Megapixels available for the camera, and its field of view at whatever distance interests you.
Then see what the resolution might be in pixels per foot or inch.
This is a 3.2 megapixel image.. 2272x1704 of a fire just about 2-1/2 miles from the camera as an example.
The blow-up shows cars on the highway at about 2 miles