Canon 70D using Live View to shoot sunsets

When I shoot sunsets, I use Live View via tripod using AF - Flexizone - Single in Manual mode.

When this mode is used I will sometimes change to MF and leave AF alone, but the AF - Flexizone is still chosen.

When this is happening, isnt the Mirror still blocking the sensor? (as I hear it flap when I do take a picture)

If it is NOT blocking the sensor...I have been doing this for awhile, I seem to have no affect on my sensor, but HOW should I shoot the bright sun like this safely? (I certainly do not want to look into the VF!

Should I use AF Quick Mode?

I apologize if this is a dumb question, but why shoot with live view for a sunset?

For me, I feel its safer on my eyes to look at an LCD, rather than look through the VF which (I think) would be harmful to my eye.

I have a 70D and if i use liveview in AF - Flexizone - Single, the mirror doesn't flap at all if the lens is set to MF. Even if is set it to Quick mode it's the same. I just tested it now. The noise it makes is just the shutter.

It only flaps the mirror in quick mode and only when is set to AF.

ok, I've taken a bazillion sunset photos, and mostly stare off to the side of the sun, not directly at it, and haven't had a problem, but I can see if you had an eye condition or something it might be.

My understanding is there *may* be an issue with the sensor at the sun, long term- like for eclipses of the sun. Laser Light shows are definitely deadly to sensors. Welding won't hurt sensors (short shutter speeds) but does hurt the crap out of your eyes - way worse than sunsets... JMHO/experience.

If you are in LV, neither the mirror, not shutter are blocking the sensor, period.

When you take a picture, the mirror might come down and then up before the shot it taken, depending on the mode. It's been so long since I messed with my settings, but I know I always use silent mode 1 and the mirror does not move (so it is the same as mirror lock-up) and only the shutter moves (I think also only at the end of the exposure - I *think* the start is electronic in this mode).

As long as you do not shine a laser into the camera you are very unlikely to damage the sensor (however, this is a known issue when using video around lasers - don't do that). You possibly could with a long lens pointed directly at the sun (like maybe a 600+mm or something), although I've never heard of anyone doing/trying this.

I always use LV on a tripod for landscape, which not only include sunsets/sunrises, but also daytime with the sun in the frame. No problems, the light intensity is no where near enough to damage the sensor, even leaving LV on for 10 minutes at a time. Think about the fact the sensor is designed to shoot video outdoors for at least hours at a time and can't be restricted to never pointing it at the sun.