I'm not sure about your camera but with a dslr they make an eye cup for this. It's like a rubber gasket that goes between the camera and your eye to block the sunlight.
They are called a hood loope by the way
Don't get caught up in settings there are no recipient to success. Just like all paint is different the same applies to photos. There's no recipe or setting that always works. You the user have to adjust.
It all depends on your goals.
Auto settings can work very well but use your exposure...
Mike, do just as you are doing. Leave the white balance on auto. The cameras preset will never be right (close sometimes). Shoot in raw and adjust in post.
You can get really picky and make all sorts of adjustments to get perfect. But, they are only useful if you understand them all and...
Get a used or refurbished dslr from adorama or b&h photo. Then invest your money in lenses. The abilities of a dslr are important however your lens choice is even more crucial. For lens selection try to find something with f2.8 or lower like maybe a 50mm f1.8 but also a zoom can be more usable...
Chill your M105 in an ice cooler, it help increase work time and reduce the dusting. Throw a few beers next to it too in case of an emergency. Seriously...