I have been without a camera for about two years. The one I had was an "elementary digital" but it awakened me to a desire to learn and do much more photography. I have reluctantly settled for taking photos with my cell phone. Looking at endless reviews, researching DSLR versus Mirrorless, Nikon vs. Canon, all the bells & whistles, etc., I am OVERWHELMED with information. I want to photograph people in their normal life activities, hoping to capture candid shots, not greatly interested in video, and my other desire is on detailed close-ups. I want to be able to have at least one lense to do close ups of still objects or people's expressions while laughing, reading, crying, etc. I've seen far too many "packages" & am slowly coming to the conclusion-- I need to keep this as simple as possible. Perhaps one camera, one lense? I have yet to take even the most basic photography course. The photos of mine that are posted here (please look to get an understanding of my desired type of photo) were my earliest attempts. I am probably most interested in thoughts, as if you were starting fresh, between DSLR vs. Mirrorless, if you were to buy one additional lense for close ups. I need this to be simple as I am an "illiterate" in photography terms! Most of my friends photograph with DSLRs and have secured many lenses. They are unwilling to switch, understandably, and have no experience with mirrorless. I am also not wealthy, by any means, so under $1000 is a must! You'll note from my signature stamp...I'm still driving a 30 yr. old car, by choice. Thus, not expecting a flamboyant camera kit! I am at the very beginning now, and can start over. Help a "photography child" please.
--Toni

Lots of good answers so far, I don't have any suggestions that are much different from what has already been said but I would like to address three points.

Many people have suggested a refurbished Nikon D7XXX. That is definitely a great camera, but as the current owner and user of a D5200, I was amazed at the size and heft of the D7xxx compared to the D5xxx. I looked a D7500 at BestBuy this weekend, and picking it up was an eye opener. I'm still going to get the D500, but now I know how heavy these things are.

A few people, including the one listed in this message have mentioned that the D3xxx and D5xxx series from Nikon do not have lens focusing motors. What they neglected to tell you is that the focusing motors are built in the lenses so it doesn't matter to you. Unless for some reason, you bought a very old Nikon lens that did not have a focusing motor in it. I just don't see how this would apply to you, so just ignore that.

Of course, at least one person here would suggest that you go full frame (FX) when you're trying to stay within a tight budget and probably looking for something on the smaller side. I think the Micro 4/3 sensor cameras used in most mirrorless would fit your purposes, small camera body, small lenses and good choices. I'm staying away from the 4/3 sensor size because I like the size of the Nikon APS-C sensor, and the lenses are not genormous and super expensive. With my D5200, I have several lenses and they will work very well with the D500 when I get around to getting one.

Good luck on your quest; you've taken a great first step asking questions first. As others have said the first decision is mirrorless with the 4/3 sensor or DSLR with an APS size sensor.

ETA: For your stated needs, either will work and you don't need big lenses. If you really want to get into portrait photography, a DSLR with a nice 80-some mm lens and a flash that you can bounce and do things with would be just the ticket. Someone talked about a hot shoe, that will be critical for your stated goals.

The Olympus E-M10 mrII and E-M5 mrII with a 14-42 lense on it is small and unobtrusive and will meet your requirement of under $1K. If there is a chance that you might like to shoot in the rain, choose the E-M5 because it is rainproof. And if you should choose the E-M5, remember to choose a rainproof lense. Some of the cheaper Olympus and Panasonic lenses are not rainproof (yes, you have a choice of 90+ interchangeable Olympus and Panasonic lenses). The E-M5 also makes a good hiking and/or travel camera. Be sure you go to your local camera store and try all the cameras out including the non-Olympus cameras. But I can promise you there are quite a few UHHs that are quite happy with their Olympus cameras.