Batteries and auto focus

[Stniuk]

I'm using a Toshiba PDRm71 but I think this may apply to a lot of cameras.
Has anyone noticed if there camera has trouble auto focusing in low light and when not using new batteries?
I know cameras can have trouble auto focusing in low light (not very low light just indoors) but I found that if I use new batteries this problem is less pronounced.
BTW I found that if you are taking portrait shots and the person is wearing a light top, point at the top and he camera will auto focus quicker.
Anyone with other hints?

Steven

[eric s]

I haven't see this, but I haven't really checked it either.

The low light makes perfect sense, as almost all cameras use a contrast detection system for AF. They need light to detect contrast, so without it AF will be slower and less accurate.

I have a hard time believing that battery power effects it... but I truly don't know.

Eric

[Stniuk]

Yes I was a bit dubious about the battery part aswell. But I tried it a couple of times so......

Steven