Comparison of Different Bulbs

Incandescent
Bulb

do not require a ballast
have a warm color appearance with a low color temperature and excellent color rendering (CRI 100)
are a compact light source
require simple maintenance due to screw-in Edison base
are a less efficacious light source
have a shorter service life than other light sources in most cases
have a filament that is sensitive to vibrations and jarring
can get very hot during operation
must be properly shielded because incandescent lamps can produce direct glare as a point source
require proper line voltage, as line voltage variations can severely affect light output and service life

Fluorescent
Bulb

require a ballast
have a range of color temperatures and color rendering capabilities
have low surface brightness compared to point sources
have a cooler operation
are more efficacious compared to incandescent
ambient temperatures and convection currents can affect light output and life
all fixtures installed indoors must use a Class P ballast that disconnects the ballast in the event it begins to overheat; high ballast operating temperatures can shorten ballast life
have options for starting methods and lamp current loadings
require compatibility with ballast
low temperatures can affect starting unless a "cold weather" ballast is specified

High
Intensity
Discharge
(HID)
Bulb

require a ballast
ambient temperature does not affect light output, although low ambient temperatures can affect starting, requiring a special ballast
are a compact light source
are high lumen packages
are a point light source
have a range of color temperatures and color rendering abilities depending on the lamp type
have a long service life
are highly efficacious in many cases
have line voltage variations, possible line voltage drops, and circuits sized for high starting current requirements which must be considered