Yep, the welding thing was when I was younger and ignorant.

Here's NASA's recommendation regarding viewing an eclispse. It mentions the #14 filter, the same one recommended by the University of Hawaii astronomy department:

NASA - Eye Safety During Solar Eclipses

"One of the most widely available filters for safe solar viewing is a number 14 welder's glass, available through welding supply outlets."

There's more information at the website. As proven by my case of welding "sunburn", an arc welder throws off lots of UV, and so does the sun. Any filter used for viewing the sun has to provide that level of protection, and that's exactly what a welding filter does.

I'm not sure if the #14 filter comes in a size large enough to handle most camera lenses.

Sorry I took so long to reply. Been very busy. I have no intention of looking at the sun in an unsafe way, but it looks like there is no real way to know when you can point the camcorder at the sun except experience so I will stick to low sunrises and sunsets.

Thanks a lot everyone for your help,

Caleb