Just because I didn't know this when I first got my cam: Watch how often you point straight at the sun, I've heard that the sun can ruin the sensor. I'm not sure what the actual "rules" are so I just avoid it.
You avoid it, altogether? You're obviously missing some potentially fantastic shots. Millions of photographers shoot into the sun. The damage is minimal. The mirror will block the sun until the exposure clicks, and when it does, the exposures aren't long enough to cause damage. Exposures are less than a couple seconds, AT MOST.
If you use LIve View, your camera's sensor is being exposed to the sun the entire time...this is when damage is more likely to occur. Likewise with point-and-shoot and mirror less systems.
Sidenote:I've aimed point and shoot cameras at sunsets all my life and have never experienced sensor damage. I just don't believe it.