I’ve lost count of how many times my GoPro shut down mid-shoot from overheating—footage gone, moments ruined, trust eroded. It’s not a fluke; it’s a pattern I’ve lived through too many times to ignore. Even in moderate conditions, the camera would throttle, overheat, and power off without warning, leaving me scrambling for backups or missing critical shots entirely. GoPro’s known overheating issues aren’t just forum chatter—they’re a real-world liability for creators who rely on their gear.

Now, with GoPro merging with Starman Optical for $285 million and pivoting toward AI data center hardware and defense optics, I’m supposed to feel excited? Honestly, I’m skeptical. A corporate shift into AI and defense doesn’t fix the thermal design flaws that have plagued their consumer cameras for years. If anything, it signals a diversion from the very problems that drove users like me away.

Let me be clear: the only way I’d even consider touching new GoPro hardware is if they handed it to me for free—and even then, I wouldn’t risk it on a paid gig, a travel documentary, or any shot that matters. Burned once, shame on them. Burned twice? That’s on me. I’ve moved on.

Today, I recommend DJI’s Osmo Action or Insta360’s X series without hesitation. They handle heat better, deliver consistent performance, and actually work when you need them to. GoPro can chase defense contracts and AI servers all they want—but until they prove they’ve solved the basics, I’m not coming back. My footage—and my peace of mind—are too important to gamble.