genocolo Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island

Not sure what “loyal Nikon fan” has to do with selecting a modern camera.
My good friend recently asked me basically the same questions you are asking. I suggested that he simplify the purchase and reentry into photography by buying a Sony RX 10 iv from Adorama. Search it on uhh. Everyone loves the quality and convenience. Could be your answer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You've solved a big part of your dilemma: Nikon. Now you have two more decisions: price and DSLR vs mirrorless.

The price range will narrow your choices. Look for reviews and comparisons of DSLRs and mirrorless Nikons in that price range. Your old lenses will not work as well on a Nikon mirrorless, and you'll need a pricey adapter. I don't like adapters.

I've been using Nikons since the 1970s, and I now have the best camera I've ever owned, a D750. Whatever you decide to buy, consider refurbished or used. If getting a used body, get an accurate shutter count first.

Canisdirus

Since you have decided on Nikon...easy...go DSLR.
They are not there yet with mirrorless...not for the coin they charge anyway.
You can get a good deal on a Nikon DSLR and lenses.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Stop spouting the news from two years ago. Nikon makes some excellent mirrorless cameras.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

There is an advantage to using an FX lens on a DX body: The "sweet spot" covers more of the sensor, so you get fewer of th problems that can arise around the edges of the frame.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd recommend the Nikon D850. I use a great deal of my old lenses with it. But, be careful no all of the old lenses are compatible. They can damage the electrical contacts.
--Bob

Canisdirus

Nikon is so good with mirrorless...it's in 5th place.
I'm assuming the OP wants the best bang for his buck.
He would have to pony up some serious coin to get a good mirrorless Nikon...and the Z lenses are just as expensive.

That same coin would yield better results with a Canon or Sony...or Fuji.

If he wants to stick with Nikon...his best bang for the buck is with their DSLR's...at least for the foreseeable future.

tcthome Loc: NJ

anotherview Loc: California

One avenue: Rent to try before you buy.

Ask yourself what kind of photographs you intend to take. The answer will help you decide which gear to buy (and not to buy).

Mirrorless cameras have become the latest offering of technologic advance for doing photography.

You may wish to consider going with a DSLR camera anyhow because of lower cost. Use it to learn. Upgrade to mirrorless later when prices may moderate.

Gear remains less important than skill when doing photography. Carefully study effective composition. Seek control over exposure. Find interesting subjects to photograph. Identify your intention for your photographs. This understanding should guide your photographic efforts.

You can find plenty of tutorials online for learning aspects of photography.

Bear in mind that photography functions as a craft. You learn it by doing. Learn from your mistakes and successes.

Good luck.

n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

Size matters... In photography back in the film days 35mm was great for most things, but when you wanted the best quality you went to medium format or even a 4x5 or larger view camera. When I shot weddings I used a medium format camera and my wife shot candid's with an F5. I had a 20-35, 35-70, and an 80-200 all f2.8. The logical choice for me when I wanted to explore digital was a Fuji built on a Nikon body so I could use the lenses that I had. There was no choice of FX or DX at that time, so all my lenses became 1.5 times longer. My "normal slightly wide to slightly tele, 35-70 became a 53-105. I no longer had a slightly wide option without changing lenses.
Fast forward to Nikons announcement of the D850. Many photographers were selling off their D810's nd I picked up a pristine example for a reasonable price. I had my 35-70 normal lens back. I know that there are newer wider lenses that I could have acquired but I wanted the full frame. Remember... size matters.
A couple years ago my wife and I were planning a Mediterranean cruise for our 50th anniversary. I wanted something smaller in the way of a camera. I ended up with a Sony A6300 with a 18-135 (27-203 equilivent.) I now find myself grabbing my Sony or a Lumix ZS100 more often then my D810. The last time I picked up my D810 was to shoot the listing photos of my house. Size and weight matters. If I could justify the expense I'd sell all the Nikon gear and buy a Sony A7r IV. But, my cameras aren't paying for themselves anymore.
The future is mirrorless. Yes, DSLR's will be around but their popularity will be diminishing. You may ask why I'm not interested in sticking with Nikon and use the FTZ adapter with the lenses that I own. The FTZ adapter only works FULLY with the latest lenses. Yes, they will allow you to use older lenses to take pictures, but less functionality such as no auto focus.
Back in the early 70's I bought a 43-86 Nikkor lens and a Nikon F (no meter) body to replace my Pentax w/50mm. Economics has locked me into that decision to this date. You are about to make a decision that might dictate your future photography equipment purchases for a long time. Brand loyalty is usually based on economics rather then a great love for a specific manufacturer.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

The d7200, 7500 and d500 all have motors in the body.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I think that all Nikon SLR lenses will work on all Nikon DSLR cameras. Some may not autofocus. You may want to rent a few models to help narrow down your search.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

The Canons and Sonys that are more advanced than the Nikons are also considerably more expensive.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Attempting to mount non-AI lenses to many models of Nikon cameras can cause serious damage to the camera. It iws necessary to check compatibility charts before trying to use very old lenses.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

The truth is that mirrorless is still a "developing technology." What it is and isn't, and what it should and should not be is still being worked out. For me, it is not yet mature enough to consider. Many others disagree. The best DSLRs are at a very advanced stage of development and will continue to be more than serviceable for many years. Others obviously disagree with that position. Fortunately, their choices do not affect me at all. I expect that the cameras and lenses that I currently own will serve me very well for as long as I need to do photography.