I started with a old bounty hunter and found many things. You will find the newer more expensive machines are worth purchasing as they will increase your good finds. It took me two years to pull the trigger on a new machine. I now use a F75 but the T2 is a great machine too.For the money, they keep up with the minelabs and such out there. I also run a vivtar hd minicam I got at Staples for about $70.00 bucks too. Good luck.