Mounting the camera directly to the tripod without some sort of quick release mechanism is a pain. An L-bracket is the way to go. Personally I use the Really Right Stuff L-bracket, there are others. The quick release system the vast majority of pros and enthusiasts on just about any camera system use is one that uses the standard Arca Swiss quick release dovetail type of mount. There are many manufacturers that make plates, heads, clamps, etc that conform to this standard.