I’ve seen the viral clip: a dog named Swayze trotting down the aisle, GoPro strapped to his back, capturing candid wedding moments from a pup’s-eye view. It’s charming, no doubt. But as someone who’s lost irreplaceable footage to GoPro overheating mid-shoot—cameras shutting down without warning, batteries draining fast in mild heat—I can’t celebrate this stunt without skepticism.

The truth is, GoPro’s thermal issues aren’t rare. They’re a known pain point for creators who push their gear beyond occasional use. I’ve had Hero models overheat during short outdoor sessions, forcing me to miss key moments. No amount of stabilization or wide-angle charm makes up for that unreliability when it counts.

Even if GoPro handed me their latest model for free, I’d hesitate to use it for anything important. Trust isn’t rebuilt with a giveaway—it’s earned through consistent performance, something GoPro has failed to deliver in my experience. I’d rather test a DJI Osmo Action or Insta360 Ace Pro, both of which have handled heat better in my real-world trials.

This wedding footage is sweet, but it’s also a reminder: cute dog POV shots shouldn’t come at the cost of lost memories. Until GoPro fixes its overheating problem—for good—I won’t recommend them. And I won’t risk my work on their bet.

For creators who need gear that works when it matters, look elsewhere. The market has better options. Don’t let a viral moment blind you to a pattern of failure.