Every decent tripod needs a quick release system, the Arca-Swiss QR system is highly recomended. The Arca-Swiss system involves small plates which attach to your camera body (or lens tripod collar), which are clamped in via a clamp which rests atop the tripod head. It takes a second or two to attach a camera to the tripod and the attachment is solid. The plates which are used are very low profile and are machined to match the size and contours of the piece of equipment they are attached to. Since they are so compact and clean, a photographer typically purchases a plate for each piece of equipment which needs one and leaves it attached at all times.