Has anyone tried the Z1 while shooting a sunset? I'm wondering how the sun affects the Z1 and how dangerous it is for the optics.

Sure, I've shot sunsets with my Z1, PDX-10 and VX-2000. You need to use some common sense... don't shoot until the sun is very low on the horizon and dim enough not to damage the camera. Use ND2 and a small f-stop. You may also need to use a high shutter speed. But if you have any doubts, don't do it! My personal rule is that if the sun isn't dim enough to look at with the naked eye then it's too bright for the camera....

After I purchase my Z1u this month, I was going to go out and do some nature shooting. I want to get the sunrise from one of the many park locations here. That getting up at 5 am is going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to see the footage. I'm doing this nature video stuff to get aquainted with the new camera and for the footage to use later.

Ofcourse I'll have to be careful not to aim it directly at the sun. Hmm.