The Gizmodo headline caught my eye: the GoPro MAX 2 action camera is somehow selling for 40% less than its predecessor. For creators who love capturing adventures, this might look like a steal. But I’ve been burned too many times by GoPro’s overheating issues in real-world use—cameras shutting down mid-shot, footage gone permanently. A discount won’t fix that core problem.

I’ve personally lost critical clips to thermal shutdowns during long takes or sunny days. It’s no secret that GoPro has struggled with overheating; even the MAX 2’s arrival doesn’t erase that history. From a creator’s perspective, reliability is everything. The only way I’d even touch this new hardware is if GoPro handed it to me for free, and even then, I wouldn’t trust it for important shots.

Maybe other creators feel the same. The deal suggests GoPro is struggling to move units, but purchasing a flaky device at any price isn’t a bargain. I’ve since switched to DJI and Insta360 cameras, which handle heat without hiccups and deliver consistent performance when it matters.

For the creator-business angle, this is a cautionary tale. Steep discounts can signal desperation or a product that doesn’t hold up under pressure. My advice? Skip the GoPro MAX 2, even at this price. Put your budget toward gear that doesn’t risk your raw footage—because in this line of work, every second counts.