I have not done very much hunting in digital but I'll try to answer your question based on what I have read. If I understand digital mode correctly then all targets (ferrous & non-ferrous)with a conductivity ready of 28 will in fact give a display reading of 28. Although digital may not show a coin icon for a ferrous 28 target. I believe that in digital it looks at the conductivity and displays it as a number on the digital screen. Then it also looks at the ferrous reading and if it is non-ferrous it would also dislpay a coinjewelry icon as well. But the main reason to use the smart screen is so that you can see both conductivity and ferrous readings. This will be much more accurate in identifying targets. I can tell the difference between a zinc penny, a copper penny or a brass indian head penny with the smart screen. Also, deep targets do not always register in "normal" areas and would probably not be as easy to pick out with the digital mode. The digital mode is a great way to get your feet wet using the Explorer. But as soon as you feel confident I would start learning the smart screen. The smart screen is what puts the Explorer in a class all by itself and is greatly responsible for all of the awesome finds we keep seeing posted in this forum from "hunted out" old parks. Good luck and good hunting!
