The Photosmart M22 was one of the entry-level models in HP's M-series budget compact range, sold around the mid-2000s when HP pushed inexpensive digital cameras through mass-market retailers alongside its printers. It represented the simplest, cheapest end of the M-series rather than a feature-rich model.
As with other basic M-series cameras, the M22 uses a small CCD sensor, a modest built-in lens, SD card storage, and AA battery power rather than a rechargeable pack, keeping running costs and replacement parts easy to find. Exact resolution and zoom range varied across the very similar low-end M-series models.
The M22's appeal was always simplicity and low purchase price rather than image quality or handling speed, with automatic exposure, basic flash, and little in the way of manual adjustment. It suited snapshots and family use over anything demanding, and was not aimed at enthusiasts.
Used examples now hold little collector or resale value and mainly interest buyers wanting a cheap, disposable-style digital camera or an HP-branded curiosity. Check that the AA battery contacts are free of corrosion, the SD slot reads cards, and the lens and flash both operate before buying.