So, solved the problem. The issue: i'm an idiot! I didn't realize that the dashcam I was trying to power was only requiring 5v. The adapter that it came with had the circuitry inside to step down from 12v to 5v. In my experience, those adapters usually always translate the 12v from the socket to whatever it's powering. When I inspected the adapter, I saw the output as 5v. So, when I connected the flashlight socket 12v supply to the terminals on the dashcam plug, powered right up.
So, my assumption that it needed 12v is what the issue was. Thanks for the replies!