A pinpointer is not necessary to metal detect. The biggest benefit for having a pinpointing metal detector is to narrow down your search area. They can be extremely helpful in this way because you can narrow down where your target is and dig a smaller hole than you may have with a full-sized metal detector.  Also, when digging for a target, the handheld pinpointer is easier to check the sides and bottom of the hole. You can pick up an inexpensive handheld pinpointer for very little, or you can find ones that are several hundred dollars, depending on your needs.