So I've read the basics about calipers, and how a 3-point measurement is less accurate than a 7-point one. A few questions then:
I'm looking at the Accumeasure Fitness 2000 calipers for all of $4.25 :) . Is there any reason why these won't do the job when combined with some of the online 7-point calculators such as the one at exrx.net? I don't want to spend $90 right now on one - especially if all it's doing special is the calculation. I'd only use it weekly, probably. Is there anything way better about expensive digital calipers?
Some of the 7-point measurements appear to be taken behind the back (shoulder), etc. Is there any way to (reasonably) do these yourself, or do you need somebody else to do them for you? Is there any way around this? What about the 3-point measurements?
If you had a choice between 3-point measurements with calipers and some other practical measurement method (body-fat scales, etc.) which would you pick?
All in all, how accurate are calipers and how difficult is it to figure out how to use them? How do you know whether you're using them right and that the numbers you get are "correct"?
What are the best online calculators for use with calipers?I've recently started weightlifting after 9 months of losing weight, and I want to be aware of my lean muscle mass - I don't want to lose much more and I could probably stand to start lowering my % body fat as opposed to my weight.

Thanks!

If you measure using the 3 point site your measurements might not be the correct bodyfat BUT as long as you consistently get the same numbers on each test, then you should be alright.

Let's say you get up on Sunday and you didn't have any cheat meals the previous day. So you measure yourself and it says 10 percent. So you try it again to check yourself and you get 10 percent again. Do it one more time just for fun and you get 10 percent. You are getting consistent results each time.

So, come next Sunday you repeat the process. You check it and you measure 9.5 percent each time. You have consistent results. You might not actually BE 10 percent but you are measuring correctly each time and that is what counts.

What you are measuring is to see if you are losing or gaining LBM right? Then as long as you get the same numbers on each test your alright.

It like a different measurement. There is standard units and metric units both can be measured and both get consistent results as long as it is measured right but the numbers are not the same. Same thing with your measurements. They might not be 10 percent but it is measuring consistently.

I know I repeated A LOT. But I just wanted to make the point that consistently is the key when measuring with calipers.

Now if you really want your EXACT numbers then that is a different story. But the 3 point site is good just to check for consistency.