There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.
The Tool
The Nikon D60 DSLR
Why the Nikon D60?
Digital Photography Review gives the Nikon D60 a rating of Highly Recommended, with scores ranging from 8 to 9 out of 10 in categories like features (8.0), image quality (8.5), and value (9). For an entry level DSLR camera, it has a lot of bang for the buck, with a VR kit lens as well as features that make it easy enough to use for the beginner, yet advanced enough for the serious hobbyist. If you're going to make the jump from a point-and-shoot digital camera to a DSLR, this is the camera for you.
The person who got me involved in UP student politics (and got me on the path that led to a seat on the University Student Council, the presidency of the National Federation of Student Councils, three years in The Movement, and over ten years in government) describes me in five words: the activist with a twang. The twang is gone, but the rest remains the same.